🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue. Historical Roots The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.