Thousands Protest at Kennedy Center Over Possible Trump Demolition Plans/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Thousands gathered outside the Kennedy Center to oppose its indefinite closure and express concern that President Donald Trump could seek to demolish the performing arts landmark. Demonstrators formed a human chain around the building and emphasized its importance to artists, students and Washington’s cultural community. A federal judge has ordered Kennedy Center officials to provide 30 days’ notice before undertaking demolition or other major physical changes.
Quick Look
- Thousands attended the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” protest.
- Some demonstrators formed a human chain around the building.
- Organizers expressed concern that Trump could seek its demolition.
- The Trump-aligned board voted to close the center indefinitely for repairs.
- A judge blocked efforts to return Trump’s name to the building.
- The center must provide 30 days’ notice before major physical changes.
- Artists, volunteers and families described the center’s cultural importance.
- Protesters also raised concerns about programming and educational partnerships.
- Trump said his administration deserves recognition for trying to save the center.
- Congress has allocated $257 million for repairs.
Deep Look
Thousands gather for Kennedy Center protest
WASHINGTON — Thousands of people assembled outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to protest its indefinite closure and express concern that President Donald Trump might seek to demolish the prominent Washington cultural institution.
Participants streamed toward the Potomac River landmark from the nearest subway station, filling streets in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood and disrupting traffic. Many carried signs as they joined an event called “Hands Around the Kennedy Center.”
At one point, some demonstrators held hands and formed a human chain around the building.
The protest brought together artists, volunteers, parents and other community members who said the Kennedy Center was central to Washington’s cultural identity and the country’s performing arts community. (Associated Press)
Organizers seek to demonstrate public opposition
Chris Raleigh, co-founder of Hands Off the Arts, which organized the demonstration, said the gathering was intended to show that people were willing to defend the institution.
Raleigh expressed concern that Trump could move against the building without first providing the notice required by a federal court.
“Look at the East Wing,” Raleigh said. “We got up one morning and there was a giant hole there.”
He argued that the Kennedy Center has greater public visibility and a larger community of supporters than the White House East Wing.
Raleigh said he did not believe Trump fully understood the intensity of public opposition to potentially demolishing the building.
“But that’s our job right?” Raleigh said. “This may be the line that no one expected but this is where the line is going to be.”
No demolition has been announced. A federal court order requires advance notification before any such action could proceed.
Court requires 30 days’ notice before major changes
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days’ notice before making major physical changes to the building, including demolition.
The order followed the center’s sudden closure and Trump’s public suggestion that the aging facility could be torn down.
The ruling was intended to clarify the center’s obligations while litigation over its management, closure and proposed renaming continues.
Congress has allocated $257 million for repairs. Kennedy Center officials have cited structural deterioration, an inspection of the roof terrace canopy and a partial ceiling collapse as safety concerns requiring evaluation and renovation.
Trump has described the building as being in dangerous condition. Opponents say those concerns should be addressed through repairs rather than used to justify permanently closing or demolishing it. (Associated Press)
Kennedy Center board voted for indefinite closure
The Kennedy Center’s board voted Tuesday to close the facility indefinitely for repairs.
The vote came hours after Cooper blocked the board from returning Trump’s name to the building. A previous ruling found that the president’s name had been added illegally and ordered its removal.
Trump began reshaping the Kennedy Center after returning to office in 2025, replacing board members with political allies who subsequently named him chairman.
The board later approved adding Trump’s name to the building. The proposal would have identified the institution as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts restored and renovated by Trump.
The court ruled that such changes could not proceed without authorization from Congress.
The closure and the timing of the board’s vote prompted critics to question whether repairs were the only motivation. Center officials have maintained that structural and public-safety concerns require the work.
Protesters describe importance of performing arts center
Demonstrators focused on the Kennedy Center’s significance as a venue for theater, music, dance, opera and educational programming.
Bud Wilkinson, a member of Washington’s arts communitybrought a chalkboard covered with Trump’s name. Protesters erased the names and replaced them with hearts.
“The Kennedy Center is vital to the arts in Washington. We need it. We need this,” Wilkinson said.
He said the dispute extended beyond the proposed placement of Trump’s name on the building.
“This is not just about putting the president’s name on the Kennedy Center. It’s about censoring the performances and the programming,” Wilkinson said. “That’s what started all this. So that’s what the nitty-gritty really is about this. So I want to replace all of this with love. That’s why there’s a heart.”
Educational partnerships affected by disruption
Alina Baciu discussed the relationship between the Kennedy Center and students at Washington’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
Her daughter received opportunities through the center while attending the school, including access to costumes from the Washington National Opera and performances on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.
“I mean, they borrowed the beautiful costumes and the beautiful dresses from the Washington National Opera for their performances at Duke Ellington,” Baciu said.
She said the turmoil surrounding the center had disrupted those connections.
“All of those things have gone away because of this craziness. And it just hurts my heart,” Baciu said.
The center has historically supported educational initiatives, school performances and training opportunities alongside its national and international programming.
Volunteer says demolition fears mobilized supporters
Laura Steinberg, who volunteered at the Kennedy Center for a decadesaid the loss of performances had already affected the community.
“This reminds me of that picture from Tiananmen Square, where that young man stood in front of the tank,” Steinberg said about the protest crowd.
She said she would physically stand against any effort to demolish the institution.
“I’ll stand in front of the wrecking ball if it’s going to come to that,” Steinberg said. “My guess is many of these people would come down because we saw what he did to the East Wing. Nobody thought he would actually do it. So I think the shock has mobilized people.”
Her comments reflected protesters’ fears rather than an announced demolition decision.
Trump says his administration should receive recognition
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said his administration was working to preserve a center that he described as financially troubled.
He did not directly answer a reporter’s question about whether he intended to demolish the building.
“We have a lot of people working very hard on it to save it,” Trump said.
“I can save it easily, but why should we be doing that and then raise money for the rest of our lives to keep it afloat?” he continued. “Because that’s what you have to do, if we get no recognition. I think the Trump administration should be recognized as having saved the Kennedy Center.”
Trump has defended his effort to add his name to the institution, arguing that his administration secured renovation funding and should receive credit. Critics maintain that the center’s congressionally established identity honoring President John F. Kennedy should remain unchanged. (Associated Press)
Dispute unfolds amid other Washington projects
The Kennedy Center controversy comes as the Trump administration advances several construction and property initiatives around Washington while related lawsuits remain pending.
Those projects include a proposed triumphal arch, the federal takeover of East Potomac Golf Links and changes involving the U.S. Institute of Peace.
The court proceedings surrounding the Kennedy Center have included competing filings about its closure, renovation plans and governance.
For protesters, Friday’s gathering was intended to demonstrate that the institution has a large constituency prepared to challenge any effort to substantially alter, rename or demolish it.
More on US News