Protest at Kennedy Center over demolition fears
WASHINGTON—Thousands of people joined outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Friday evening to protest US President Donald Trump’s plans for the facility.
They join other voices of organizations and individuals who have been horrified that Trump might make good on his threat to close and tear down the storied institution.
Chris Raleigh, cofounder of Hands Off the Arts, which set up the gathering, said in an interview that he hoped the event would show that people are willing to fight to keep Trump’s plans for the building at bay.
One of the most iconic buildings on the Potomac River waterfront, the Kennedy Center has been a focus of Trump’s remake of Washington since 2025, when he began installing favorites onto its governing board. Late last year, he had his name placed on the center.
On Thursday, a judge ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days’ notice before making any major physical changes to the building, including demolishing it.
Friday’s event followed a tumultuous week in federal courts in Washington where filings and counterfilings flooded the courts as the administration continues pushing for the president’s vanity projects.
Such projects include Trump’s triumphal arch and the administration’s takeover of East Potomac Golf Links and the US Institute of Peace.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he was willing to save the center, but did not address a question about demolishing it.
