đź”— Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted. The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue. Original Concept The idea for a national 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.