🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious 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 declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 noted. The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue. Original Concept 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 future venue was dedicated to his memory. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.