🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted. The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue. Inception 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 named in his honor. This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.