Hundreds gather at Kennedy Center to protest Trump’s attacks
More than 1,000 attendees formed a human chain around the Washington, DC, performing arts centre that Trump has taken over, sought to rebrand and threatened to shutter and demolish
On Friday, September 18, approximately 1,500 members and supporters of the organization Hands Off the Arts gathered at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. to protest against President Donald Trump's attacks on the cultural institution. The demonstrators formed a human chain around the venue, holding hands and singing in solidarity.
Organized by former Kennedy Center staff, artists, and union organizers, Hands Off the Arts was established last year to combat the layoffs of hundreds of workers and oppose Trump's attempts to name the center after himself and either renovate or demolish it.
During the rally, co-founders Mallory Miller and Chris Raleigh spoke about their memories of the Kennedy Center and the impacts of Trump's actions. Miller referred to Trump as "the philistine in charge," while Raleigh proposed a deal for the president to leave the Kennedy Center alone, reinstate its bipartisan board, and return as a paying patron.
Lynda Carter, a famous actress known for her role as Wonder Woman, attended the protest and emphasized the importance of music and the arts in people's lives. Music played a significant role in the demonstration, with attendees singing The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and My Country, 'Tis of Thee.
Various choirs and a street band from Washington performed as well. Protesters carried US flags, some upside down as a maritime signal of distress. The rally, named "Hands Around the Kennedy Center," aimed to recreate the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Kennedy Center by bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.
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