🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement. Image Source The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue. Original Concept The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.