🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Center Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue. Inception The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.