🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.