🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Institution Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue. Inception The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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. More details will be published soon.