🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue. Original Concept The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.