🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted. The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, 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. Context of the Venue Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue. Inception The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.