đź”— Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue. Inception The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.