🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The proposed move is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.