From Seattletimes · · 1m 50s
Thousands protest Kennedy Center over Trump plans
Thousands protest Kennedy Center as Trump threatens to tear it down.
In brief
Thousands protest Kennedy Center as Trump threatens to tear it down. Thousands protested outside the Kennedy Center after Trump threatened to close and tear down the facility, fearing legal and physical changes without court notice. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Thousands protest Kennedy Center
Thousands joined outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Friday evening to protest President Donald Trump’s plans for the facility.
Hands Around the Kennedy Center
Protesters formed a human chain around the center holding hands, crowding Foggy Bottom streets and locking down traffic.
Hands Off the Arts co-founder
Chris Raleigh, co-founder of Hands Off the Arts, said the event showed people are willing to fight to keep Trump’s plans for the building at bay.
Kennedy Center under threat
The Kennedy Center has been a focus of Trump’s remake of Washington since 2025, when he began installing favorites onto its governing board.
Legal battle over Trump’s name
A judge ruled Trump’s name was illegally added to the center and ordered it removed, blocking his plans to return his name.
Kennedy Center board closes
The Kennedy Center board voted to close the center indefinitely for repairs after a judge blocked their plans to return Trump’s name.
Protesters replace names with hearts
Bud Wilkinson, a local arts community member, set up a chalkboard with Trump’s name written hundreds of times for protesters to erase and replace with hearts.
Students lose opportunities
Alina Baciu said her daughter lost opportunities at Duke Ellington School of the Arts due to the Kennedy Center’s closure, including borrowed costumes and performances.
Volunteer’s emotional response
Laura Steinberg, a 10-year volunteer, compared the protest to Tiananmen Square and vowed to stand in front of the wrecking ball if it came.
The one thing
Thousands protested outside the Kennedy Center after Trump threatened to close and tear down the facility, fearing legal and physical changes without court notice.
