🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious 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 declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue. Historical Roots The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.