Protesters gathered on Friday night at the Kennedy Center located in Washington, D.C., calling for the removal of Donald Trump from the presidency of this center. This gathering was held due to Trump's efforts to take over the presidential memorial and his threats to close and destroy this site.
Formation of a Human Chain
Activists joined together to form a human chain in front of the center, demanding Trump's removal due to his failure to adequately protect and manage this site. Trump appointed himself as the president of the Kennedy Center last year after the previous leadership was ousted and replaced board members with his own appointments.
The group of protesters announced on their website: "This demonstration is being held for various reasons, including the sudden closure of the center, the installation of security fences, and political efforts to alter or destroy parts of the presidential memorial." The organization "Hands Off the Arts," which organized this gathering, predicted that hundreds would gather for music programs, speeches, and testimonies on the steps of the center.
Concerns About the Destruction of the Memorial
Millis, one of the protesters and former dance program director at the Kennedy Center, said: "The Kennedy Center cannot be renamed after anyone else. This is a memorial for John F. Kennedy, and the suggestion that this place be renamed after someone else is insulting and inhumane." She also added: "Artists in our community are risk-takers, and this center belongs to the American people, not a specific individual."
This coalition of activists, formed after leadership changes at the Kennedy Center, has stated its goal to reclaim this center from "authoritarian excesses" and to protect other artistic and cultural institutions from a similar fate.
Earlier this week, Trump warned that the Kennedy Center might be "destroyed" if his administration is not recognized. He said: "I think the Trump administration must definitely be recognized. Because if we don't do this, this center will be closed."
A federal judge also ordered on Thursday that the Kennedy Center must notify the public 30 days before making any major physical changes, including demolition. Judge Christopher Cooper issued this order after Democratic representative Joyce Beatty referenced Trump's threat that the center might be "destroyed" and presented images of Trump reviewing a sign reading "Kennedy Center Destroyed."
Judge Cooper also ruled that Trump's name cannot be added to the exterior of the center without congressional approval. The board had previously placed his name on the building's facade and removed it following a prior ruling in June.
Trump has claimed that the center is in poor condition and requires significant financial support from the government to continue its operations. He said: "This center is in very bad and dangerous shape and needs to be fixed quickly."
