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The Kennedy Center became a stage for protest on Friday as thousands gathered outside the shuttered Washington landmark, linking arms and turning the building’s perimeter into a human chain. The demonstration, called “Hands Around the Kennedy Center,” came after President Donald Trump raised the possibility of tearing the venue down.
Protesters form a human chain around the Kennedy Center amid Donald Trump’s plans for the shuttered venue
The crowd brought plenty of theater to the protest itself. Signs mocked Trump with lines including “You’re No Jack Kennedy,” “Hands Off the Arts” and “Wicked: Starring DJT.” One attendee wore a “Make America Intelligent Again” hat, while another put on a Trump mask and crown and carried a sign jokingly demanding, “Restore my name in gold, you sycophants” (via The Daily Beast).
The gathering followed a turbulent week for the center. Trump took control of its board after his second inauguration, installed his own appointees and became chairman. The board later voted to close the building for repairs, while Trump continued pressing to attach his name to the institution. A federal judge previously ruled that only Congress could approve such a renaming. This month, Judge Christopher Cooper blocked another attempt to put Trump’s name on the facade.
Trump’s demolition comments intensified the dispute. A photograph taken aboard Air Force One showed him examining an image that appeared to depict the Kennedy Center being demolished. Cooper then ordered the center to give at least 30 days’ notice before undertaking physical changes, including demolition. That ruling came as the legal fight over the venue’s closure continued.
Trump addressed the issue in the Oval Office, saying he could “save” the Kennedy Center “easily,” but questioned why his administration should keep raising money to support it without receiving recognition.
He argued that the Trump administration deserved to be recognized for saving the institution. “But why should we be doing that and then raise money for the rest of our lives to keep it afloat?” Trump said. “Because that’s what you have to do if we get no recognition. I think the Trump administration should be recognized as having saved the Kennedy Center,” Trump said.
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