Thousands gathered outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday evening. The protest was against President Donald Trump’s plans for the facility. Many feared he might follow through on closing and demolishing the historic site.
The crowd moved from the nearest subway stop, converging in the Foggy Bottom area. They carried signs and participated in a demonstration called “Hands Around the Kennedy Center.” At one point, participants held hands to form a human chain around the building.
Chris Raleigh, co-founder of Hands Off the Arts, organized the gathering. He expressed hope that the event would show public opposition to the proposed changes.
We are here to fight against any plans to alter the Kennedy Center, a Washington icon since 2025,Raleigh stated.
The Kennedy Center board, aligned with Trump, recently voted to close the center for repairs. This followed a U.S. District Judge’s decision to block plans for returning Trump’s name to the building. Additionally, the court ordered a 30-day notice before any physical changes, including demolishing the center.
Raleigh, along with others, worries Trump might act without informing the court.
Look at the situation with the East Wing,he remarked.We woke up to a giant hole one morning.
The gathering highlighted the center’s importance to the arts scene in Washington. Bud Wilkinson, a local arts advocate, created a chalkboard with Trump’s name and invited attendees to erase and replace it with hearts.
The Kennedy Center is crucial to our arts community,Wilkinson said.This isn’t just about the name. It’s about maintaining artistic freedom.
Alina Baciu shared how the center benefits students at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Her daughter had once been able to showcase work on the center’s Millennium Stage.
Laura Steinberg, a long-time volunteer, reflected on the loss of performances.
This situation draws parallels to the Tiananmen Square standoff,she shared.I’m ready to stand in front of any wrecking ball.
Protests occurred amid ongoing legal disputes in Washington, with the administration making moves on various projects, including Trump’s triumphal arch. Meanwhile, Trump expressed willingness to save the financially struggling center.
Speaking from the Oval Office, he remarked, We can save it, but we need recognition for doing so.