🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "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 grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Institution Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue. Inception The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory. This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.