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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.

The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Venue

Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.

Inception

The concept 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 then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.

This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.