Protest in Washington Against Kennedy Center Closure — The Guardian
Thousands of people in Washington, DC, USA, took to the streets to protest the indefinite closure of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for renovations. Participants in the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally voiced concerns that President Donald Trump could order the building demolished.
As The Guardian reports, demonstrators filled the streets of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood and blocked traffic as they marched through the streets. They carried signs, beat drums and chanted “Hands off!” Some came in costumes, and protesters booed whenever Trump was mentioned.
Board and court decisions
The Kennedy Center board on Tuesday voted to close the institution indefinitely for renovations. The decision was made hours after U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper blocked a plan to put Trump’s name back on the building.
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Late last year, Trump’s name was placed on the Kennedy Center building, but the court found this unlawful and ordered its removal. On Thursday, the judge also ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days’ notice of any significant physical changes to the building, including possible demolition.
Photo from aboard Air Force One
Protesters’ concerns intensified after a photograph was published showing Trump aboard Air Force One examining an image of the Kennedy Center that reportedly depicts its demolition. On a placard held by the president, the beginning of a red-lettered inscription was visible: “Kennedy Center DEMOLIS...”. The rest of the word was obscured by the aircraft window frame.
Chris Raleigh, co-founder of Hands Off the Arts, which organized the gathering, said the rally was meant to demonstrate people’s readiness to oppose plans for the building. Trump himself, speaking in the Oval Office, said his administration was working to save the center, which he said was suffering financial losses. He did not answer a question about a possible demolition of the building.
