Protesters form human chain at Kennedy Center after Trump threat

On Friday, protesters formed a human chain around the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in opposition to US President Donald Trump's threat to demolish the arts hub unless his name was restored to it. The main building has been closed since Wednesday, temporarily, while a judge reviews plans for a long-term closure to accommodate Trump's desired renovations.

Crowds displayed placards reading "hands off Kennedy Center" and sang beneath the scaffolding and tarps that remain since workers removed Trump's name from the building in June due to a court order. Trump took control of the Kennedy Center last year and pushed for a major renovation, claiming the building had been neglected by previous leaders.

The president's handpicked board initially renamed the institution as the Trump-Kennedy Center, a decision later reversed by a judge. The move resulted in a significant drop in ticket sales, artist boycotts, and donor exodus, according to The Washington Post. Neal Racioppo, a Washington resident, joined the human chain, expressing his disgust at Trump's actions.

Racioppo emphasized the importance of preserving the Kennedy Center as a cherished institution for the arts, country, and the world. Lizzy Andrew, a former performer at the Kennedy Center, denounced Trump's threat, stating that the president does not have the right to decide an institution can be demolished. Lela Agnew, a regular visitor with her children, defended the center as an institution belonging to the people and emphasized that it is not a political place.