Shortly after returning to the presidency, Donald Trump initiated a swift takeover of the Kennedy Center, the Washington, D.C. performing arts institution, sparking a massive backlash.
On Wednesday night, Trump appeared at the Kennedy Center for the first time in his second term, where he was greeted with a combination of cheers and boos from the crowd, as reported by the Associated Press.
Trump and his wife, Melania, were in attendance to see a production of the popular musical Les Misérables, a longtime favorite of his. However, a dozen actors who are part of the cast reportedly sat out the production rather than perform for the president.
Trump just got BOOED after arriving at the Kennedy Center for a performance of Les Misérables. There were some cheers, which is expected because he and his buddies have taken over the Kennedy Center and installed their own. pic.twitter.com/B2C80P2J4V
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) June 12, 2025
Per The Daily Beast, Trump was asked on the red carpet how he felt about the actors taking the night off.
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“I couldn’t care less!” the president said. “Honestly, I couldn’t… All I do is run the country well.”
The AP reported that numerous members of the cabinet, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., were also in attendance at the show.
Trump was also asked whether he was rooting for the hero, Jean Valjean, or the villain, Inspector Javert, in the show. His answer? “That’s tough. I don’t know.”
Reporter: Do you identify more with Jean Valjean or Javert?
Trump: That’s tough. I don’t know pic.twitter.com/YtaRCLVtL6
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 11, 2025
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance, who was also set to appear at the performance, posted to X about the show in a way that garnered attention, in which he seemed to confuse Les Misérables with another popular musical, Sweeney Todd.
About to see Les Miserables with POTUS at the Kennedy Center.
Me to Usha: so what’s this about? A barber who kills people?
Usha; [hysterical laughter]
— JD Vance (@JDVance) June 11, 2025
Vance himself was booed back in March when he made an appearance at the Kennedy Center.
Some people on social media had fun with Trump and Vance’s night at the theater.
the idea that knowing Sweeney Todd is more normal (and presumably straighter?) is very funny https://t.co/A78xccJ7Tf
— Alex Shephard (@alex_shephard) June 11, 2025
Trump at Les Misérables is fucking hilarious.
The musical is about jailing the poor, abusing power, and overthrowing tyrants.
He’s not the hero—he’s literally the corrupt regime they rise up to destroy.
He’s Javert with worse hair, no self-actualization, and zero conviction. pic.twitter.com/CKVfD2ovlD
— Andrew—#IAmTheResistance—Wortman (@AmoneyResists) June 12, 2025
Photo courtesy of X screenshot.
