🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, citing "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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added. The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue. Inception 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. Further context will be provided shortly.