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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.

The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Center

Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.

Inception

The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.