Hundreds protest Trump's Kennedy Center takeover

Activists formed a human chain outside the Kennedy Center on Friday night to oppose Trump's control of the venue and his threats to close or demolish it.

Trump installed himself as chairman last year

Trump removed the Kennedy Center's previous leadership and replaced board members with his own appointees, then installed himself as chairman.

Protesters demand Trump be removed

Activists say Trump is not an appropriate leader for the Kennedy Center and is failing to protect and manage it properly.

Trump wants his name on the building

Trump has pushed to add his name to the Kennedy Center's exterior, but a federal judge ruled this requires congressional approval.

“The Kennedy Center can't be renamed for anyone else. It's a memorial to John F. Kennedy.”

Trump threatens demolition if denied recognition

Trump said the Kennedy Center could be ripped down if his administration doesn't receive recognition on the building.

“If we don't do that, it's going to close. It'll end up being ripped down.”

Photos show Trump examining demolition plans

Photographs taken on Air Force One show Trump examining a placard labeled Kennedy Center Demolished, prompting a federal judge to intervene.

Judge blocks major changes for 30 days

A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days' notice before making any major physical changes, including demolition.

Trump claims the building is in poor condition

Trump argues the Kennedy Center is in very bad shape and requires substantial government support to remain open and safe.

“You see steel falling down. You see plaster falling off ceilings. You see a lot of dangers.”

Activist group formed to protect the arts

Hands Off the Arts formed after recent leadership changes at the Kennedy Center to reclaim it from authoritarian overreach and protect other cultural institutions.