Trump and Melania Booed at Kennedy Center’s ‘Les Misérables’ Debut

On June 11, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended their first performance at the Kennedy Center—this time at the opening night of Les Misérables. As they took their seats, the audience responded with a mix of loud boos and applause, reflecting the strong divisions surrounding the recently reshaped institution.

Since his return to the White House, Trump has overhauled the Kennedy Center’s leadership, replacing nearly the entire board with allies and declaring himself chairman. He has publicly denounced “woke” programming and targeted drag performances. These moves have triggered resignations from artists and declining subscriptions.

In response to his presence, several drag performers attended the show in colorful attire to protest the new policy changes . Additionally, 10–12 cast members reportedly staged a boycott, refusing to perform.

Despite the boos, Trump’s supporters responded with shouts of “USA! USA!” and applause. Inside the theater, the tension mirrored the themes of Les Misérables, a revolutionary tale about the oppressed rising up.

Trump presented the evening as a fundraising success, claiming $10 million raised for the Center. Yet subscription revenues have dropped sharply—down 36% year-over-year, with subscription cancellations up to 82%—and several high-profile shows, like Hamilton, have pulled out.

Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, highlighted the irony of Trump attending a show about revolt:

“Someone explain the plot to him,” Newsom quipped .