🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Venue Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging 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 then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.