🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 continued. The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue. Historical Roots The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.