🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Institution Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue. Original Concept The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.