🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its 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 extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue. Inception The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.