🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue. Original Concept The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.