🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue. Original Concept The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.