🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted. The proposed move is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Venue Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue. Historical Roots The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.