🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 continued. The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue. Inception The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.