On the evening of June 11, 2025, Washington, D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts buzzed with anticipation, but not just for the opening night of Les Misérables. President Donald Trump, alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance, stepped into the spotlight, drawing a mix of cheers, boos, and even a protest from drag performers. This wasn’t just a night at the theater—it was a cultural and political spectacle that had everyone talking. Here’s the full scoop on what went down, why it matters, and how it reflects the current pulse of America.
A Red-Carpet Entrance Amid a Divided Crowd
Picture this: President Trump, dressed sharply in a tuxedo, and Melania, elegant as ever, walking the red carpet at the Kennedy Center. The couple, joined by Vice President Vance and his wife, Usha, were there to attend Les Misérables, a musical Trump has repeatedly called one of his favorites. But as they made their way to the presidential box, the audience’s reaction was anything but harmonious. Cheers erupted from supporters, with chants of “USA! USA!” echoing through the theater, while others let out loud boos, creating a cacophony that set the tone for the evening.
This wasn’t just a spontaneous outburst. Trump’s appearance at the Kennedy Center was his first since taking control of the institution earlier in 2025, a move that stirred controversy. After appointing himself chairman and overhauling the board, Trump vowed to eliminate what he called “woke” programming, including drag shows, which he claimed targeted youth inappropriately. His changes have sparked both praise and backlash, and the Les Misérables opening night became a stage for those tensions to play out.
Why Les Misérables? The Irony of Trump’s Favorite Musical
If you’re familiar with Les Misérables, you might find Trump’s love for the show a bit ironic. The musical, based on Victor Hugo’s novel, tells the story of a populist rebellion against an oppressive government—a narrative that doesn’t exactly scream “MAGA.” Yet, Trump has been vocal about his admiration for the production, telling Fox News, “I love the songs; I love the play.” He’s even suggested extending its run at the Kennedy Center, which is currently set to close on July 13, 2025.
Some speculate Trump is drawn to the show’s sweeping score and dramatic flair rather than its revolutionary themes. Others, including The Washington Post, note that some MAGA supporters see parallels between their movement and the story’s “Friends of the ABC,” who fight against tyranny. Either way, the choice of Les Misérables added a layer of intrigue to the evening, especially as the nation grapples with protests in cities like Los Angeles, where Trump recently deployed 700 U.S. Marines to quell unrest.
Protests and Performers: The Drag Queens Steal the Show
As if the boos and cheers weren’t enough, a group of drag performers added their own flair to the evening. Dressed in vibrant pink and red gowns, they entered the theater to loud applause, a direct response to Trump’s pledge to end drag shows at the Kennedy Center. Their presence was a bold protest, and the crowd’s reaction showed just how polarized the audience was. Staff reportedly cheered quietly as the drag stars passed through Secret Service security, their colorful outfits standing out against the more subdued attire of other attendees.
The drag performers weren’t the only ones making a statement. Several cast members of Les Misérables chose to boycott the performance, with reports indicating that 10 to 12 actors, including major performers and ensemble members, opted out due to Trump and Vance’s attendance. Understudies stepped in to fill the gaps, ensuring the show went on, but the boycott underscored the deep divide Trump’s leadership of the Kennedy Center has created.
A Fundraiser with High Stakes
Trump’s appearance wasn’t just about enjoying a night at the theater. The event doubled as a fundraiser for the Kennedy Center, which has struggled financially since Trump’s overhaul led to a drop in ticket sales. Donors reportedly paid up to $2 million to attend a reception with the president, a move aimed at boosting the center’s coffers. Trump, ever the showman, used the occasion to tout his vision for the venue, declaring, “We’re going to save the Kennedy Center. We’re going to make it even better.”
The fundraiser’s success is critical for the Kennedy Center, which relies on ticket sales, subscriptions, and donations to operate. While Les Misérables has seen robust ticket sales, the center’s subscription campaign has lagged, partly due to the controversy surrounding Trump’s changes. His promise to “bring it back better than ever” reflects his broader goal of reshaping the institution to align with his cultural and political vision.
Mixed Reactions: Cheers, Boos, and Chfacetime:
The polarized response to Trump’s presence wasn’t limited to the audience. Social media lit up with reactions, from supporters like Laura Loomer, who claimed Trump received a standing ovation and chants of “We love you, President Trump,” to critics who described the boos as “merciless.” Videos posted on X captured the moment, showing Trump waving to the crowd as cheers and boos clashed, with some supporters trying to drown out the dissent with “USA” chants.
The divide reflects broader sentiments about Trump’s leadership. His supporters see his Kennedy Center takeover as a reclaiming of American cultural institutions, while detractors view it as an overreach that stifles artistic freedom. The presence of high-profile allies like Attorney General Pam Bondi and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. only amplified the political weight of the evening.
A Defiant Trump and a Revamped Kennedy Center
Trump didn’t shy away from the controversy. When asked about the cast members’ boycott, he struck a defiant tone, saying, “We’re going to make it even better.” His appointment of Richard Grenell, a close ally, to lead the Kennedy Center signals a shift toward programming that aligns with his conservative agenda. The 2025–2026 season will feature musicals like Chicago and Moulin Rouge!, a departure from the center’s previous emphasis on diverse or progressive performances.
Grenell himself called for “tolerance” amid questions about boycotts and protests, framing the event as a step toward revitalizing the Kennedy Center. For Trump, the night was a chance to project strength and rally his base, with supporters lining up for photos during intermission.
The Bigger Picture: Culture Wars on Center Stage
The Kennedy Center event is a microcosm of the broader culture wars playing out across the U.S. Trump’s critics argue his control of the venue threatens its legacy as a bastion of artistic expression, pointing to cancellations like the Hamilton tour stop as evidence of a chilling effect. Supporters, meanwhile, see it as a necessary correction, bringing the center in line with what they view as traditional American values.
The Les Misérables performance, with its themes of rebellion and justice, couldn’t have been a more fitting backdrop. The musical’s iconic song, “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” has been used at Trump rallies, though the show’s creators have distanced themselves from such associations, stating they never authorized its use for political events. The irony of a “law and order” president embracing a story of revolution wasn’t lost on commentators, with MSNBC calling it one of the year’s most ironic moments.
What’s Next for the Kennedy Center?
As Les Misérables continues its run through mid-July, the Kennedy Center remains a lightning rod for debate. Trump’s vision for the institution—more musicals, fewer “woke” shows—will likely face further scrutiny. The drag performers’ protest and the cast’s boycott signal that resistance to his changes won’t fade quietly. Yet, with robust ticket sales for Les Misérables and high-profile fundraising events, Trump’s team is betting on a resurgence for the venue under their leadership.
For now, the Kennedy Center is a stage for both art and politics, where every performance carries the weight of a divided nation. Whether you’re cheering or booing, one thing’s clear: Trump’s night at Les Misérables was anything but a quiet evening at the theater.
Final Thoughts
June 11, 2025, will go down as a night when the Kennedy Center became more than a cultural landmark—it became a battleground for America’s soul. From the drag queens’ vibrant protest to the cast’s boycott and the audience’s dueling reactions, the opening of Les Misérables was a drama all its own. As Trump continues to reshape the Kennedy Center, expect more nights like this, where art, politics, and passion collide.
What did you think of the Kennedy Center spectacle? Are you Team Trump or Team Protest? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation going!