An activist organization is livestreaming the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center, which is expected to occur by Friday. A federal judge ruled on May 29 that the center must remove Trump's name from the nameplate by June 12 and paused renovations that would have closed the center for two years. Mentions of Trump's name have already been removed from the Kennedy Center website.
The group, Hands Off the Arts, initiated the livestream to ensure accountability regarding the ruling. They describe themselves as a coalition fighting to keep art free from government control and organize weekly protests against the center's renaming. A press release from the group stated, "Hands Off the Arts stands firmly against Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center and any attempt to rename it."
The Kennedy Center removed Trump's name from its website on Monday following a ruling from an Obama-appointed judge, who sided with Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH). The ruling indicated that Congress must rename the building, as it was named by statute after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
Under Trump's administration, several members of the Board of Trustees were dismissed, and a new board was appointed, which voted to change the name to the Trump-Kennedy Center. The group aims to inspire an artistic rebellion against perceived government overreach in the arts.
The Washington National Opera ended its affiliation with the Kennedy Center after the name change, along with other performers. The center's schedule, however, still includes upcoming events such as musicals and movie screenings. The grassroots coalition includes various protestors from the local performing arts community, with individuals expressing their views on the importance of the Kennedy Center's identity and maintenance.
Miller, a ballet instructor involved with Hands Off the Arts, emphasized the need for civic engagement and political activism, stating that the movement represents the power of the people in effecting change.