đź”— Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This promises 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 planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue. Historical Roots The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.