🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned 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 stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Venue Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue. Inception The vision for a Washington-based 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.