🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably 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. Recent History of the Venue Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue. Original Concept The concept for a federal 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 dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.