🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary 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 preserving the building." "This will 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, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Institution Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue. Inception The concept for a federal 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. Additional information will be published soon.