Protesters Set to Support Kennedy Center

Activists are expected to gather in opposition to President Donald Trump's attempted takeover of the Kennedy Center on Friday.

The president has threatened to close and demolish it.

Activists are expected to gather, link hands and form a human chain outside the Washington venue. Their goal is to have Trump removed as its chairman for failing to protect and manage it.

Trump appointed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center last year. Trump removed its previous leadership and replaced board members with his own appointees.

"The demonstration opposes the recent sudden closure of the facility, the installation of security fencing, and political efforts to alter or demolish portions of the presidential memorial," the group said on its website.

The Hands Off the Arts organization behind the rally and protest said it expects hundreds of people to gather on the center's steps. The group has held various protests outside the performing arts venue this year.

Earlier this week, Trump called for the Kennedy Center to be “ripped down” if his administration doesn't receive recognition on the performing arts center, including having his name on the facade.

"I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition. Because frankly, if we don't do that, it's going to close. It'll end up being ripped down," Trump said.

The group protesting said its goal is to reclaim the Kennedy Center from "authoritarian overreach and protect other arts and cultural institutions from similar fates," according to the group's website.