🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue. Historical Roots The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory. This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.