The Memo: Trump doubles down on demand for ‘recognition’ in Kennedy Center fight

Dozens of demonstrators gathered at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. to protest President Donald Trump's administration's potential demolition of the iconic arts venue. The crowd, known as Hands Around the Kennedy Center, chanted slogans such as "Hands off Kennedy Center" and played songs. Many carried signs and linked hands to form a human chain around the building.

Neal Racioppo, a Washington resident and theatre marketing executive, expressed his disgust, stating that Trump should not be able to remove the president's name from the cherished institution. "It makes me sick to my stomach. He doesn't have the right to decide that a living memorial to a past president can be demolished," he added.

Local arts community member Bud Wilkinson emphasized the Kennedy Center's importance, saying, "This is not just about putting the president's name on the Kennedy Center. It's about censoring the performances and the programming."

The Kennedy Center, established in 1971 following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, has been a focal point for Trump's plans for Washington since 2025. After a court order, Trump's name was removed from the building in June. However, Trump suggested in May that the center could be torn down if the administration didn't receive recognition, claiming the building was in poor condition.

Despite the ongoing controversy, the Kennedy Center remains a vital part of Washington's arts scene, as declared by local arts community member Bud Wilkinson.