đź”— Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement. Image Source The leadership 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. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue. Original Concept The concept 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 planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.