🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Center Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue. Historical Roots 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 planned venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.