🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue. Original Concept The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder 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. This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.