🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued. The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue. Original Concept The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.