🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.