🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.