🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued. The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue. Historical Roots The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.