Thousands Protest Trump’s Kennedy Center Overhaul

Thousands of protesters gathered outside Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 18 for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” demonstration organized by Hands Off the Arts. The protesters formed a human chain and heard performances and speeches from artists, employees, activists and lawmakers opposing President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the institution, including threats to demolish it and attempts to add his name to the building. The protest followed the Trump-aligned board’s decision to close the main building for renovations that could last up to two years, as well as layoffs and a temporary shutdown attributed to safety concerns and the center’s financial and physical condition. Trump has defended his intervention by calling the center poorly maintained and financially troubled, saying his administration secured $257 million for repairs and deserves recognition. A federal judge ruled that major physical changes require advance notice and that adding Trump’s name requires congressional approval.