🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue. Historical Roots The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.