🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue. Historical Roots The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.