🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued. The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue. Historical Roots The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.