đŸ”— Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The idea for a federal 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 named in his honor. This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.