🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue. Inception The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.