🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to 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, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Center Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The concept for a national 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 dedicated to his memory. This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.