đź”— Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue. Historical Roots The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.