🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Center Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue. Original Concept The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.