Demonstrators in US form human chain to protest Kennedy Center closure vote

Thousands of people filled streets around the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday evening to oppose the board's recent vote to close the venue for repairs. Participants marched through the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, many carrying signs and wearing costumes, and at one point linked hands around parts of the building, which remains partly covered in scaffolding and tarpaulins.

Organisers from Hands Off the Arts, including co-founder Chris Raleigh, said the turnout was intended to demonstrate public resistance to actions by the Trump-appointed board, which voted this week to shut the center for repairs that officials say could last up to two years. Protesters voiced particular alarm that President Donald Trump, who installed the new board and has taken an active role in the institution since returning to office last year, might pursue more dramatic changes to the landmark.

The rally follows a series of court fights over the board's efforts to associate the building with Trump. Last December the new board added Trump's name to the Kennedy Center facade; a federal judge blocked that step in May, finding the board had exceeded its authority because Congress designated the center as a memorial to John F. Kennedy. The board made a second attempt in August to add wording referencing Trump’s restoration and renovation of the site, and that attempt was also halted by the court in September.

A recent federal order requires the Kennedy Center to give 30 days' notice before undertaking major structural changes, including demolition. Trump has publicly declined to rule out demolishing the building, and protesters said they worry the administration could move ahead without further judicial notice. The legal and public pushback underscores the contentious debate over control and stewardship of the nationally significant performing-arts institution.