Overview
- The White House said trustees approved the name change unanimously during a Dec. 18 meeting.
- Democratic board member Rep. Joyce Beatty disputed unanimity, saying her audio was cut and she was blocked from voicing opposition.
- President Trump became board chair in February, placed allies on the panel, and reportedly joined the vote by phone.
- U.S. media report that the institution’s legal name is set by federal law, indicating Congress would need to authorize any formal change.
- Japanese outlets citing Kyodo and other wires relayed the announcement, as some coverage characterized the move as a personal takeover of a cultural institution.