Washington, D.C. – Thousands of demonstrators gathered around the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on the evening of September 18, 2026, forming a human chain to protest President Donald Trump’s plans for the iconic venue. The rally, dubbed “Hands Around the Kennedy Center,” aimed to respond firmly to Trump’s threats of demolition and his controversial management decisions.
As subway stations emptied, participants flowed into the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, filling streets and causing traffic disruptions. Many protesters carried creative signs that conveyed their discontent, featuring messages like “You’re No Jack Kennedy” and “Hands Off the Arts.” Colorful outfits adorned some, including a Trump mask worn by one individual who waved a placard claiming, “Restore my name in gold, you sycophants.” The atmosphere shifted dramatically with boos erupting whenever Trump’s name was mentioned during the event.
Prior to the human chain formation, the coalition known as Hands Off the Arts organized a program that included testimonials, musical acts, and speeches on the steps of the center. Among the speakers was Lynda Carter, an actress known for her outspoken criticism of the president, who energized the crowd. Protesters displayed placards declaring their intent to protect the Kennedy Center—a space historically important to the arts community—after workers removed Trump’s name from the building earlier in June under judicial order. The demonstrators clasped hands and raised them high, voicing demands for Trump’s removal as chairman due to his perceived negligence in safeguarding the institution.
Activist Bud Wilkinson, representing the local arts community, carried a chalkboard inscribed with Trump’s name, transformed by protesters who erased it and drew hearts in its place. Wilkinson emphasized that the struggle extends beyond naming rights; it concerns the preservation of artistic integrity and freedom. Laura Steinberg, a long-time volunteer at the center, noted the rally’s reminiscent quality to the iconic Tiananmen Square protest, marking a powerful moment of civic engagement.
The impact of potential closures extends even to local arts schools. Alina Baciu, a protester whose daughter is a student at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, expressed concern over lost collaborations with the Kennedy Center, including performance opportunities and resources. Kerry Kennedy, a family member of the late President John F. Kennedy, echoed sentiments regarding the potential devastation of losing such an important cultural landmark.
The protest came on the heels of escalating tensions between Trump, the Kennedy Center, and the judiciary. Earlier that week, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper halted efforts by Trump-aligned board members to restore the president’s name to the venue amidst a ruling that requires a 30-day notice for any major alterations or demolition plans. The swift legal maneuvers followed weeks of unrest and concern within the artistic community.
In recent comments, Trump insisted he could rescue the Kennedy Center, questioning why he should be financially accountable without recognition for his contributions. The president claimed extensive renovations were needed, although critics argue that a decline in revenue stemmed from the departure of artists and patrons following his takeover.
The Kennedy Center, inaugurated in 1971 as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, has seen its governance dramatically shift since Trump assumed chairmanship in 2025. Critics have scrutinized his influence, particularly after a board decision in December 2025 to rename the center in his honor. In May 2026, Cooper’s ruling stripped Trump’s name from the building, underscoring the legal complexities surrounding its administration.
Hands Off the Arts co-founder Chris Raleigh highlighted the importance of the recent rally as a display of opposition to Trump’s intentions. Reflecting on the ongoing protest movement, Raleigh asserted that the Kennedy Center’s future remains a pivotal issue for many, and the coalition’s resolve demonstrates a firm commitment to countering what they deem authoritarian overreach.
The Kennedy Center remains closed, with legal restrictions keeping a demolition at bay. Following the overwhelming response to the rally, Trump announced on September 21 that he no longer planned to demolish the building, indicating instead a renovation plan that would repurpose existing materials within a potential two-year timeline.