Thousands join protest outside Kennedy Center, expressing concern that Trump might tear it down, tell me about this news in (https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-demolish-protest-fc4538e47c6541fae7b7b51862fd96ae)

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., for a large rally organized by the advocacy group Hands Off the Arts. Protesters joined hands to form a human chain around the landmark complex, expressing alarm and anger over statements and imagery from President Donald Trump suggesting the iconic venue could be torn down.

The demonstration followed a series of contentious moves and court battles regarding the cultural institution:

• Threats of Demolition: President Trump publicly argued that the building was structurally compromised, dangerous, and losing money, remarking that unless restoration work proceeded as he envisioned, the facility would ultimately “end up being ripped down.” Attention surged further after photographs surfaced showing Trump reviewing a poster depicting demolition equipment clearing rubble from the site.

• The Dispute Over Renaming: The conflict originated with efforts by the Trump-aligned board of trusteeswhich named Trump chairmanto add his name to the building’s exterior (“Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump”) and rename the plaza in his honor. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper repeatedly blocked these attempts, ruling that such alterations could not legally be made without approval from Congress.

• Sudden Closure and Legal Pushback: Following the court’s refusal to allow the signage, the board voted to shut down the complex and erected perimeter fencing, citing acute safety risks and needed repairs. Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member, filed an emergency motion alleging the shutdown was an unlawful pretext to mothball the building or force concessions on the naming dispute.

• Court Restrictions: In response to Beatty’s legal action, Judge Cooper issued an order prohibiting the board from carrying out any demolition or major structural modifications without providing at least 30 days’ advance notice to the court.

During the protest, artists, current and former Kennedy Center employees, and local residents rallied with musical performances and speeches, calling for the protection of the center’s integrity and emphasizing its mission as a national living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.