🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration 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. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Institution Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue. Original Concept 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 future venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.