🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Center Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue. Original Concept The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory. This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.