Hundreds of activists are expected to gather at the Kennedy Center on Friday to form a human chain in protest of President Donald Trump's control of the venue and his remarks suggesting it could be demolished.
The demonstration, organized by Hands Off the Arts, aims to reclaim the center from what organizers call "authoritarian overreach" and protect other cultural institutions. Protesters plan to link hands around the building following musical performances, testimonials, and speeches.
Earlier this week, Trump stated that the Kennedy Center could be "ripped down" if his administration does not receive recognition at the performing arts venue. "I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition. Because frankly, if we don't do that, it's going to close. It'll end up being ripped down," the president told reporters.
The group organizing the protest noted on its website that the demonstration opposes the "recent sudden closure of the facility, the installation of security fencing, and political efforts to alter or demolish portions of the presidential memorial." They further stated, "This is not the Kennedy Center you know and love. It’s not the Kennedy Center you deserve."
On Thursday, a federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days' notice before making any significant physical changes to the building, including demolition. This ruling came after lawyers for Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty cited Trump's demolition threat and presented photographs appearing to show the president examining a placard labeled "Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED" on Air Force One.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper also previously ruled that Trump's name could not be added to the center's exterior without congressional approval. The board had previously placed his name on the facade but removed it in June following an earlier ruling.
Trump has asserted that the center is in poor condition and requires substantial government funding. "It's in very, very bad shape, very dangerous shape," Trump said Wednesday. "You see steel falling down. You see plaster falling off ceilings. You see a lot of dangers."
The activist coalition seeks to ensure that the venue can once again be "the nation’s cultural center, active with life, joy, and incredible art."