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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.

The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Center

Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.

Inception

The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.

Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.