🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted 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 vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue. Inception The concept for a federal performing arts center originated 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 is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.