🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, citing "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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the national venue. Historical Roots The vision for a Washington-based 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. Further context will be added as it becomes available.