Thousands of demonstrators partially surrounded the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 18, 2026, linking arms in protest against a board decision to close the Washington, D.C., landmark for two years.
Protest Draws Thousands to D.C. Landmark
The demonstration drew over 6,400 people who gathered as the sun set. Participants wore anti-Trump gear and sang the National Anthem before ending the rally with a crowd rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Activists also chanted “take it down” in reference to a tarp blocking the building’s name following a federal judge’s order.
Chris Crowley, co-founder of the organizing group Hands Off the Arts, told reporters at the scene, “Don’t lay a finger on JFK’s memorial.” Tara Hoot, a D.C.-based drag artist who led the event programming, stated that the crowds showed up to protect the memorial dedicated to an assassinated president. Additional speakers included actress Lynda Carter, U.S. Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson of Illinois, and D.C. Councilman Robert White. Jackson told the crowd, “The Kennedy Center will forever be the people’s house. This is not the Melania and Donald J. Trump House.”
Legal Disputes and White House Arguments
The protests followed a federal judge’s second ruling prohibiting President Donald Trump’s name from being added to the building, marking the culmination of months of legal friction. Trump contended that the center needed extensive renovations, that only he could raise the necessary funds, and that his administration deserved recognition for the work. Earlier on Sept. 18 in the Oval Office, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. standing behind him, Trump defended his position by stating the facility had “been a dump” and “lost money” for years. “I don’t mind doing the job, but if I do the job, I think the Trump administration, including Bobby, but the Trump administration should be recognized,” Trump said.
While protesters hoped to encircle the entire perimeter, fenced-off portions blocked a complete connection, restricting the human chain to the eastern front side and southern walls. Attendee Amniche Guerin of Prince George’s County, Maryland, told reporters that she shows up whenever there is an opportunity to protest the government, adding, “Definitely something as sacred as the arts, I think we all need to show up for.” D.C. resident David Weiss told reporters he joined because Trump wanted to put his name on a memorial for an assassinated president and was holding it hostage.
Did You Know? The demonstration took place just three days after the hand-picked board appointed by President Donald Trump announced the facility’s two-year closure.
What May Happen Next
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the protest take place?
The demonstration occurred on the evening of Sept. 18, 2026, as the sun set.
How many people attended the rally?
The protest drew over 6,400 people, according to organizers and event programming leaders.
Why were protesters demonstrating?
Demonstrators gathered to oppose the Kennedy Center board’s decision to close the Washington, D.C., venue for two years, following months of legal disputes over presidential oversight and building nomenclature.
How do you think historic cultural institutions should balance necessary architectural renovations with the preservation of their original memorial designations?