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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, 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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.