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The leadership board 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 announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."

"This promises 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 likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Venue

Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.

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

Historical Roots

The vision for a national performing arts center began 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. More details will be published soon.