🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue. Original Concept The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.