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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt added.

The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Venue

Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.

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

Original Concept

The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder 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. More details will be published soon.