In a dramatic show of political and cultural theatre, President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday night to attend the opening of Les Misérables, one of his favorite musicals. The event, billed as a major fundraiser for the financially troubled institution, doubled as a public spectacle—complete with red-carpet moments, protest performances, and polarized reactions from the audience.
Figure 1: Trump with his wife
Trump’s visit marked a significant step in his recent efforts to rebrand and reshape the Kennedy Center, a move that began earlier this year with the ousting of its previous leadership and the installation of Trump loyalists.
Culture Meets Controversy
The Kennedy Center, a symbol of American arts and culture, has seen ticket sales decline sharply since Trump’s intervention. His controversial leadership change included removing all board members appointed under President Joe Biden and replacing them with allies, eventually naming himself chairman.
Figure 2: Robert Kennedy with his wife
The night’s performance, a touring production of Les Misérables, brought both political supporters and vocal critics to the venue. The musical, rooted in themes of revolution and justice, was viewed by many as ironically appropriate for Trump’s appearance. Some in attendance cheered the president’s arrival, while others jeered or silently protested.
Trump’s Musical Affinity
Trump, an avowed fan of Broadway, has a long-standing connection with musicals. He previously expressed admiration for Evita, Phantom of the Opera, and Cats. In a 2004 memoir, he recalled attending Evita multiple times and described himself as having an ear for music from a young age.
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At Wednesday’s show, Trump was accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, and key figures from his administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Vice President JD Vance, were also in attendance. The event had the atmosphere of a high-profile premiere, but for many theatergoers, the spotlight on Trump overshadowed the performance itself.
Backlash and Boycotts
The reaction from the artistic community has been swift and severe. Notable figures such as opera singer Renée Fleming, musician Ben Folds, and producer Shonda Rhimes have distanced themselves from the center following the Trump-led takeover. Shows like Hamilton and artists like Issa Rae canceled appearances in protest.
Internal documents suggest the impact has been significant: subscription sales have dropped by roughly 36% since early June. The new administration at the Kennedy Center, led by Trump confidant Richard Grenell, claims the previous leadership left the institution in poor financial health—a claim disputed by former executives.
Protesters Make Their Entrance
Among the most visible dissenters at Wednesday’s event were a group of drag performers who staged a silent protest by attending the performance in vibrant, attention-grabbing attire. Their entrance was met with applause from many attendees and served as a subtle critique of Trump’s past criticisms of drag shows at the center.
Tara Hoot, one of the performers, said their presence was intended to counter what they see as a rollback of inclusive programming at the venue. “We’re here because art is for everyone, not just those in power,” she remarked.
Audience Reactions: Cheers and Boos
The audience’s response to Trump was split. Some applauded enthusiastically when the president and first lady took their seats, chanting “U.S.A.!” Others booed or expressed discomfort at the political overtones of the night. “We came for the show, not the showman,” one patron said.
During the intermission, crowds gathered near the presidential box, taking photos and debating his presence. As Trump waved to the audience, one protester shouted an expletive, only to be drowned out by cheers from supporters.
A Fundraiser with High Stakes
Wednesday night’s performance also served as Trump’s first major fundraiser for the Kennedy Center. Premium packages for donors included VIP receptions, box seats, and photo opportunities with the president, with contributions reaching as high as $2 million.
Despite boycotts by principal cast members and ongoing protests, Trump claimed success, announcing the event had raised $10 million. “We’re bringing it back stronger than ever,” he told reporters. “It needs help, but it’s going to be fantastic.”
The Show Goes On
Trump’s presence at the performance highlighted his desire to wield influence in cultural institutions long viewed as bastions of liberalism. The selection of Les Misérables, with its themes of resistance and revolution, struck many as ironic—especially given Trump’s recent deployment of National Guard troops in response to immigration protests in Los Angeles.
In an interview before the performance, when asked whether he identified more with the reformist Jean Valjean or the law-and-order Inspector Javert, Trump replied, “Oh, that’s a tough one … I don’t know.”
For now, the Kennedy Center stands as a symbol of the broader cultural divide—caught between political influence, artistic freedom, and public expectation.
