🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue. Inception The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.