🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson 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 rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added. The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue. Inception The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.