Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Friday to protest President Donald Trump’s plans for the institution and growing concerns that he could move to demolish the landmark.
The demonstration, known as “Hands Around the Kennedy Center,” saw protesters form a human chain around parts of the building while artists, community members and supporters spoke about the importance of preserving the cultural institution.
The protest followed a turbulent week for the Kennedy Center. The institution’s board, which is aligned with Trump, voted to close the center indefinitely for repairs shortly after a federal judge blocked an effort to restore Trump’s name to the building.
Trump has repeatedly pushed to have his name added to the Kennedy Center and has defended his involvement in the institution. He has also declined to rule out tearing down the building, describing it negatively while arguing that rebuilding it could produce a better facility.
The president’s position has fueled concern among performers, arts advocates and members of the public who fear the Kennedy Center could face permanent changes under the current leadership.
A federal judge has already ordered the Kennedy Center to provide at least 30 days’ notice before making major physical changes, including any potential demolition. The order adds a legal hurdle to any immediate effort to tear down the building.
The dispute also follows a court ruling that Trump’s name was improperly added to the Kennedy Center. The judge said the authority to rename the institution rests with Congress, not the center’s board.
Protest organizers said the rally was intended to demonstrate public support for keeping the Kennedy Center open and preserving its role in American cultural life. Performers and other arts supporters joined the gathering, turning the normally prominent Washington venue into the center of a growing political and cultural dispute.
The controversy remains tied to broader questions about the future management, programming and funding of the Kennedy Center, as legal challenges continue and the building remains closed.
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