‘You’re no Jack Kennedy’: Donald Trump’s fresh humiliation as public backlash grows over Kennedy Center
Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Friday, forming a human chain to oppose President Donald Trump‘s changes to the institution and his statements that it could be “ripped down.”
The demonstration, organized by the advocacy group Hands Off the Arts, occurred days after the Kennedy Center’s Trump-aligned board voted to close the main building for two years.
Signs at the protest included “You’re No Jack Kennedy” and “Hands Off the Arts,” with others criticizing Trump’s involvement with the venue.
Protesters form a human chain around the center
Organizers anticipated about 1,000 attendees, but the crowd grew to several times that number, according to The Washington Post. Demonstrators linked arms outside the building as artists, former employees and supporters spoke about the institution.
The protest followed a week of significant changes at the Kennedy Center. The building was closed, fencing was installed around parts of the complex, and the board approved a plan to close the main building for repairs.
Trump has prioritized the Kennedy Center since assuming control of its board. His administration argues the building requires significant repairs, while critics dispute the broader changes made under his leadership.
Trump has threatened to tear down the Kennedy Center
Trump said this week that the center could be “ripped down” if his administration did not receive recognition for taking responsibility for the institution.
“For the Trump administration, for me, to get involved and to take that on long term and to carry it, or to raise money to carry it, I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition,” Trump said. “It’ll end up being ripped down. It’s in very, very bad shape.”
A photograph showing Trump aboard Air Force One examining a document that appeared to reference the Kennedy Center being “demolished” heightened concerns among opponents of his plans.
A federal judge has put limits on major changes
The dispute has also moved into federal court.
Judge Christopher Cooper ordered Kennedy Center officials to provide at least 30 days’ notice before making significant changes to the building, including construction or demolition. The ruling followed the board’s decision to temporarily close the center for what officials described as safety-related repairs.
The Kennedy Center has also faced a separate legal dispute over Trump’s name being placed on the building. Cooper previously ruled that Congress could not add the president’s name without congressional action.
Trump says he could ‘save’ the center
Trump has defended his involvement with the Kennedy Center and questioned whether the federal government should continue funding its operations.
On Friday, he stated he could “save” the institution “easily,” but questioned why his administration should raise funds to keep it operating without recognition.
“I think the Trump administration should be recognized as having saved the Kennedy Center,” he said.