🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue. Historical Roots The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.