🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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 provided shortly.