Trump says only his administration can rescue Kennedy Center as protesters gather outside

President Donald Trump told reporters from the Oval Office on Friday that only his administration has the capacity to preserve and renovate the Kennedy Center, a federal performing-arts complex that has been closed for planned repairs. He said, "The Trump administration, if I'm willing and the administration is willing, we have a lot of people working very hard on it to save it. I can save it easily."

Later that afternoon, thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the center in a protest organized by the group Hands off the Arts. Participants formed a human chain around the building and described the event as a gathering to support the venue, its staff and artists. Organizers criticized the board of trustees, saying it had failed in its duty and left the center largely dormant.

A White House spokesperson, speaking to ABC News, blamed partisan opposition for the center's condition and echoed the president’s claim that without his intervention the venue would continue to decline.

The dispute follows a board decision, backed by the Trump administration, to close the Kennedy Center for renovations estimated at $257 million. Earlier, a judge ordered a 30-day notice period before any demolition work could begin and later ruled against a proposal to rename the facility with Trump’s name. The president has indicated on social media that he will not proceed with renovations unless his name is restored to the building’s branding.