🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious 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 announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Center Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue. Inception The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated 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. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.