Thousands gathered outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday evening to protest President Donald Trump’s plans for the facility. The crowd streamed from the nearest subway stop, blocking traffic in Foggy Bottom and joining the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” movement. Many carried signs, wore costumes and booed when the president was mentioned.
Chris Raleigh, co‑founder of Hands Off the Arts, said the event was meant to show that people are willing to fight to keep Trump’s plans for the building at bay. Protesters also chanted and carried chalkboards with Trump’s name written hundreds of times, which they erased and replaced with hearts, according to local arts community member Bud Wilkinson.
The Kennedy Center has been a focus of Trump’s remake of Washington since 2025, when he began installing favorites onto its governing board and had his name placed on the center. A judge ruled the name was illegally added and ordered it removed. The board, aligned with the president, voted to close the center indefinitely for repairs after a U.S. District Judge blocked their plans to return the name. The judge also ordered the center to give 30 days’ notice before making any major physical changes, including demolition.
Raleigh warned that Trump could act without court notification. Local artists and students expressed concern that the center’s loss would affect performances and opportunities. Alina Baciu noted that Duke Ellington School of the Arts students had lost access to costumes and the Millennium Stage. Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, said he was willing to save the center, which he said was losing money, but did not address a question about demolishing it.
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