ð Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue. Original Concept The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.