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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted 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 unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."

"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.

The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Institution

Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.

Inception

The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.

This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.