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

Thousands of protesters formed a human chain around the Kennedy Center in Washington DC to contest its closure, amid fears that President Donald Trump could follow through on his threat to demolish the landmark. The demonstration, titled "Hands Around the Kennedy Center," took place on September 18, 2026, with participants holding signs and denouncing the decisions made by Trump's appointed board. Chris Raleigh, co-founder of Hands Off the Arts, expressed hope that the turnout would demonstrate the public's willingness to push back against Trump's plans for the building.