🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue. Original Concept The vision 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 dedicated to his memory. This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.