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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
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