Trending Now - Jane Fonda Spearheads Rally Defending Arts Amid Media Concerns
WHO:
Jane Fonda, actor and activist
Committee for the First Amendment, co-founded by Henry Fonda
Joy Reid, veteran broadcaster
Jim Acosta, veteran broadcaster
Jessica González, co-chief executive of Free Press
Ann Patchett, novelist
Bess Kalb, comedy writer
Billy Porter, actor
Griffin Dunne, actor
Sam Waterston, actor
Joan Baez, folk singer
Maggie Rogers, singer
Kristy Lee, country-folk singer
WHAT:
Fonda stated, “Museums, the National Endowment for the Arts, state arts councils, public broadcasting – they’re all being defunded.”
Fonda warned, “The general public may think all this doesn’t affect them but it does. If we don’t fight back, the news we get will be increasingly fake. We won’t be allowed to know what’s really happening. Our children’s academic curricula will be actually censored. Ticket costs for cultural events will go up while the quality will go down. Books and films will be shallower, lacking nuance and complexity.”
Fonda recalled witnessing an exhibition of so-called “degenerate art” getting bulldozed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s, stating, “This is the direction that we’re headed in if we don’t wake up and stop what is happening.”
The rally was titled "Artists United for Our Freedoms."
Fonda stated, “Today, books are being banned, plaques and monuments depicting historical events this administration wants to forget are being removed.”
Fonda warned, “If we don’t fight back, the news we get will be increasingly fake. We won’t be allowed to know what’s really happening.”
Fonda mentioned that the Kennedy Center will close for renovations on July 4th, 2026.
Fonda noted that layoffs at the Kennedy Center began on March 27th, 2026.
Fonda encouraged attendees to bring five people to the No Kings protests scheduled for March 29th, 2026.
Fonda referenced the war Trump launched in conjunction with Israel, which began in February 2026.
Kristy Lee stated, “I’m not gonna lie, I was looking forward to the opportunity. But playing at that center after what happened would cost me my integrity, and that’s worth more than any paycheck.”
Jessica González condemned a proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing that oligarchs are dismantling diversity efforts.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle responded, “President Trump is in the process of making the Trump-Kennedy Center the finest performing arts facility in the world for all Americans to enjoy. No one cares what Jane Fonda has to say. Her awful acting has traumatized people enough.”
A rally was held to urge US citizens to "break your silence" against authoritarianism.
Approximately 100 invited guests attended the rally.
Fonda criticized the banning of over 300 book titles from school libraries.
The event was titled "Artists United for Our Freedoms."
Fonda's Committee for the First Amendment was relaunched in 2025.
The Kennedy Center will close for two years for renovations, with layoffs beginning that week.
Fonda stated, "If we don’t fight back, the news we get will be increasingly fake."
WHERE:
The rally took place outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
WHEN:
The rally occurred on Friday, March 27th, 2026.
The Committee for the First Amendment was relaunched in 2025.
WHY:
Fonda emphasized the need to combat the "authoritarianism that is taking hold and consolidating fast," stating, “We know that when fear takes hold, silence spreads. We must not let that happen.”
The rally aimed to address concerns over political censorship, book bans, and threats to free speech under Trump.
Fonda emphasized the need to combat the "authoritarianism that is taking hold and consolidating fast."
HOW:
Fonda encouraged attendees to bring five people to the No Kings protests scheduled for March 29th, 2026, stating, “Tomorrow we’re gonna see a great example of community building — the No Kings protests. Don’t just go, bring five people.”
The rally featured speeches and performances from various artists and activists.
Fonda called for public engagement and awareness regarding the attacks on the First Amendment.
(UPDATED March 28, 2026 21:01 UTC)
At a recent event, Fonda expressed deep concern over the defunding of museums, the National Endowment for the Arts, and public broadcasting, warning that this trend could lead to a future where the public is misinformed and cultural quality declines. He recalled a chilling memory of “degenerate art” being destroyed in the Soviet Union, urging that without action, society could head in a similar direction. Fonda encouraged everyone to participate in the No Kings protests scheduled for March 29th, emphasizing the importance of community by asking attendees to bring five friends along.
--
(UPDATED March 28, 2026 13:18 UTC)
At a rally titled "Artists United for Our Freedoms," Jane Fonda expressed her concerns about the banning of books and the removal of historical monuments, warning that if people don't fight back, the news will become increasingly fake. She also mentioned that the Kennedy Center will close for renovations on July 4, 2026, and encouraged attendees to bring five people to the No Kings protests scheduled for March 29, 2026. In response, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle dismissed Fonda's comments, stating that President Trump is working to make the Trump-Kennedy Center the finest performing arts facility for all Americans.
--
(UPDATED March 28, 2026 03:51 UTC)
A rally titled "Artists United for Our Freedoms" took place outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 27, 2026, drawing approximately 100 invited guests, including notable figures like Jane Fonda and Joy Reid. Fonda criticized the banning of over 300 book titles from school libraries and urged citizens to "break your silence" against the rising authoritarianism, stating that if we don’t fight back, the news we get will be increasingly fake. The event featured speeches and performances from various artists and activists, highlighting the pressing concerns over political censorship and the importance of protecting free speech.