Thousands gathered outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday evening in protest against President Donald Trump’s plans for the center. Demonstrators, concerned about potential closure and demolition, formed a human chain around the iconic Washington landmark.
Chris Raleigh, co-founder of Hands Off the Arts, hoped the event would showcase public opposition to Trump’s intentions. Trump’s involvement with the center began in 2025 when he appointed his favorites to its governing board. Last year, his name was added to the center but was later removed by judicial order.
The Kennedy Center board, aligned with Trump, voted to close the center for repairs. This decision came after U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper blocked their intentions of restoring Trump’s name to the building. The judge required the board to provide 30 days’ notice before implementing any major changes.
Protesters emphasized the center’s significance as a cultural and artistic hub. Bud Wilkinson, from the local arts community, set up a chalkboard for participants to erase Trump’s name and replace it with hearts.
Alina Baciu discussed how students at Duke Ellington School of the Arts benefit from the center’s resources, explaining the potential negative impact of the current turmoil. Her daughter had access to costumes from the Washington National Opera for school performances.
Laura Steinberg, a long-term volunteer, described the loss of performances as heartbreaking. She expressed a willingness to physically block demolition efforts, drawing a parallel to Tiananmen Square’s iconic image of resistance.
This protest followed a hectic legal week, with court filings and counter-filings over the administration’s controversial projects, including the East Potomac Golf Links and the U.S. Institute of Peace.
In the Oval Office, Trump stated his willingness to save the Kennedy Center despite its financial difficulties. However, he indicated that his administration deserves recognition for any preservation efforts made.
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