🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue. Original Concept The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.