🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue. Inception The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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.