🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will 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 shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Center Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue. Historical Roots The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.