# Hundreds form human chain to save Kennedy Center from Trump

> Activists demand Trump's removal as Kennedy Center chairman after he threatens to demolish the presidential memorial.
- Title: Hundreds form human chain to save Kennedy Center from Trump
- Summary: Activists demand Trump's removal as Kennedy Center chairman after he threatens to demolish the presidential memorial. Protesters are using direct action to…
- Keywords: kennedy center, donald trump, protest, human chain, hands off the arts, mallory miller, demolition threat, presidential memorial, washington dc, joyce beatty, judge christopher cooper, news
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/Politics/protesters-plan-form-human-chain-kennedy-center-amid/story?id=136558872
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kennedy center, donald trump, protest, human chain, hands off the arts, mallory miller, demolition threat, presidential memorial, washington dc, joyce beatty, judge christopher cooper, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Protesters are using direct action to oppose Trump's control of the Kennedy Center and his threats to close or demolish it.