🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue. Inception The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory. This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.