🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Institution Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue. Inception The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.