🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue. Inception 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 planned venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.