🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue. Inception The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.