🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided 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 vote was unified, citing "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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted. The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue. Inception The idea for a national 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 named in his honor. This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.