🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added. The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, 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 Center Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue. Inception The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.