🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued. The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue. Inception The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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 report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.