Arabic version: جين فوندا تقود تجمعًا ضد قمع ترامب للفنون

Jane Fonda joined journalists, musicians, and writers outside Washington’s John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, urging Americans to resist what she described as an authoritarian crackdown on arts and media under Donald Trump’s administration. According to The Guardian, Fonda called for citizens to ‘break your silence’ and ‘stand tall against authoritarianism’ at the event hosted by her Committee for the First Amendment.

The rally featured around a hundred invited guests who voiced concerns over book bans, political censorship, and funding cuts to public arts programs. Fonda criticized the administration for defunding museums and the National Endowment for the Arts, stating, ‘Today, books are being banned, plaques and monuments depicting historical events this administration wants to forget are being removed.’

Fonda highlighted the Kennedy Center’s recent changes, including renovations and layoffs, framing them as part of a broader effort to silence artistic expression. She stated, ‘This beloved citadel of the arts has become a symbol of what is happening.’ The rally also featured critiques of the media landscape, with speakers like Joy Reid and Jim Acosta emphasizing the need for the press to boldly address the political pressures they face.

The event, dubbed ‘Artists United for Our Freedoms,’ included performances and readings that underscored the historical significance of the current moment in relation to free speech and artistic expression. Veteran folk singer Joan Baez, who also participated, expressed her determination to fight for freedom of expression, stating, ‘I’m going to hang on to that glorious rainbow ribbon award and keep fighting like hell alongside of all of you until we restore our right to speak freely.’