Protesters gather at Kennedy Center over Trump demolition fears and closure vote
Thousands of people protested outside the Kennedy Center in Washington on Friday evening amid fears that Donald Trump plans to demolish the institution.
Crowds block streets near subway
Demonstrators walked from the nearest subway stop and crowded the Foggy Bottom area. Traffic was locked down as participants joined the Hands Around the Kennedy Center event. Many attendees wore costumes and carried signs while booing mentions of the president during the program.
Board votes to close venue
The center's board voted Tuesday to close the facility indefinitely for repairs. This decision came after a judge blocked plans to return Donald Trump's name to the building. A separate order requires thirty days notice before any major physical changes occur.
Organizer hopes to halt plans
Chris Raleigh co-founded Hands Off the Arts to organize this specific gathering. He stated that the event shows willingness to fight against Trump's building plans. The Kennedy Center has been a focus of changes since 2025 when favorites were installed on its board.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- South China Morning Post
- The Guardian
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