🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued. The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.