Congressional Republicans move to rename Kennedy Center Opera House after first lady Melania Trump

A GOP-led House panel has advanced a proposal to rename the Kennedy Center Opera House after first lady Melania Trump.

The proposal was made by Idaho GOP Rep. Mike Simpson, as an amendment to a funding bill for federal agencies, and was passed Tuesday by the House Appropriations Committee, according to The Washington Post.

The second-largest theater in the Kennedy Center would be called the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House” if the bill passes the lower chamber. The Kennedy Center's three major stages – the Eisenhower Theater, the Opera House, and the Concert Hall – have never been renamed before.

The first lady is an honorary chair of the Kennedy Center board, as is tradition.

Earlier this year, President Trump took over the center, arguing the programming was too "woke" and saying parts of the Washington landmark had fallen into "tremendous disrepair." Trump also became chairman of the center's board as part of the move. 

“This is an excellent way to recognize [Melania Trump’s] support and commitment to promoting the arts, and I would encourage members to vote for this Republican en bloc amendment,” said Simpson, who is the chairman of the Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on interior, environment, and related agencies.