Thousands of protesters gathered outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on Friday to oppose President Trump's threat to demolish the iconic venue. The demonstration, organised by the group Hands Off the Arts, saw crowds forming human chains around the building and marching through the Foggy Bottom area in response to ongoing disputes over Trump's attempts to reshape the facility and add his name to it. The protest represents widespread concern amongst the arts community and public figures about the future of one of America's most important cultural institutions.

The controversy stems from Trump's efforts since 2025 to install allies on the Kennedy Center's governing board and place his name on the building—actions that a federal judge ruled illegal and ordered reversed. Following the judge's decision, the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility indefinitely for repairs. On Thursday, the judge mandated that 30 days' notice must be given before any major physical changes, including demolition. Protesters and arts advocates emphasised the centre's vital role in supporting performing arts and education, with concerns that the situation involves not only the building's survival but also potential censorship of performances and programming.