It was supposed to be just another glitzy night at the theater, but Wednesday evening at the Kennedy Center turned into a headline-grabbing moment as President Donald Trump arrived with First Lady Melania Trump by his side.
The couple was in Washington, D.C., to attend the opening night of Les Misérables—and the atmosphere was anything but quiet.
While the president smiled for the cameras and waved to supporters, drama off-stage threatened to steal the spotlight.
Cast members boycotted. Protesters lined the streets. Even drag queens were rumored to be planning disruptions.
Trump Brushes Off Boycott With Classic Confidence
As reporters shouted questions, Trump didn’t flinch when asked about the Les Misérables cast members who refused to perform in protest of his appearance.
“I couldn’t care less. Honestly, I couldn’t,” he said without hesitation. “All I do is run the country well.”
Despite speculation that the Trumps and Vice President J.D. Vance (alongside his wife Usha) would end up seeing a show performed mostly by understudies, the event went on as planned.
Outside, a small group of drag queens gathered just a block away as the presidential motorcade made its way to the venue.
Cheers, Boos, and a USA Chant Greet the President
Once inside the Kennedy Center, the atmosphere was a mix of celebration and dissent.
Some attendees cheered, others chanted “USA,” and a few made their disapproval known with scattered boos.
Trump’s presence at the Kennedy Center is part of a larger shake-up.
Just 19 days into his second term, he fired the entire Kennedy Center board and named himself chairman—a first in the Center’s history.
A Trump Takeover at the Kennedy Center
Since taking over, Trump has placed loyalists in top positions, including naming Richard Grenell—his former acting Director of National Intelligence—as interim executive director.
Grenell also serves as a special envoy for international matters, but now, he’s helping lead one of America’s top cultural institutions.
The revamped 2025–2026 season lineup reflects Trump’s taste: bold, crowd-pleasing musicals like Chicago, Moulin Rouge!, Mrs. Doubtfire, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and Back to the Future: The Musical.
Celebrities and Artists Cut Ties Over New Direction
Not everyone has embraced the new leadership. Several high-profile artists have distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center, including musician Ben Folds, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes, and actress Issa Rae from Insecure.
Still, Trump remains optimistic. “The new era here is going to be something,” he said on the red carpet, flanked by Grenell.
The bones of this facility are really incredible. We’re going to make it really great.”
Trump Isn’t a Fan of the Architecture—But He Loves the Shows
During a recent dinner with the newly appointed board—which now includes Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and country singer Lee Greenwood—Trump didn’t hold back his opinions on the building itself.
He reportedly joked about the modern wing of the Kennedy Center, saying, “It’s the last time I’ll take a job without looking at it.”
Cats, Phantom, and Les Mis—Trump and Melania Talk Theater
On a lighter note, Trump was asked about the first play he ever saw. His answer? Cats.
Melania chimed in that her first show was The Phantom of the Opera, and she admitted she’s a big fan of Les Misérables too.
“I am, thank you,” she told the Daily Mail with a smile.
Trump added that he’s seen Les Mis several times.
“It was just about our first choice,” he said. “We’ve got other great ones coming too.”
Trump Dodges Character Question With a Laugh
As the president made his way down the red carpet, a reporter tossed him a curveball:
“Do you see yourself more as Inspector Javert or Jean Valjean?”
Trump laughed at the question, calling it a tough one. “You better answer that one, honey,” he said to Melania, who decided to stay silent.