🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.