Thousands Protest at Kennedy Center Over President's Demolition Threats
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Protesters gathered around the Kennedy Center to oppose President Trump's remarks about possibly demolishing the venue, while a federal judge ordered the removal of his name from the building.
Thousands of demonstrators assembled around the Kennedy Center this weekend to voice opposition to President Donald Trump's comments about potentially tearing down the landmark. The group, organized as “Hands Around the Kennedy Center,” linked hands around the building and displayed signs criticizing the president's proposals to rename and restructure the institution.
President Trump has sought to rename the center after himself and has suggested that the facility may be unsafe and require demolition. A federal judge previously ordered the removal of his name from the building, ruling that only Congress can authorize such a change, and later required the center to provide at least 30 days' notice before any major physical alterations.
The administration has argued that the Kennedy Center faces financial and structural challenges, while critics note a decline in artist participation and donor support since the president assumed the chairmanship and appointed a new board. Tax records indicate the center's revenue increased in 2024, partly due to federal allocations.
The White House and the Kennedy Center have not responded to requests for comment.