🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added. The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Venue Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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. Additional information will be published soon.