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The leadership 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 stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.

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

Background of the Venue

Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.

Inception

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

This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.