🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees 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 announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Institution Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue. Historical Roots The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.