On June 11, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center — his first visit since reshaping its leadership and programming. The audience’s reaction mirrored the musical’s own clash between power and protest: applause, cheers, and loud boos as the couple appeared in the presidential box. “I’ve seen it many times, it’s one of my favorites,” Trump said, smiling at the mixed crowd. Intermission brought heightened tension. Some shouted support while others jeered. Chants of “U.S.A.” met waves of boos, and Trump responded with his trademark three-pump fist. Reports described the overall mood as deeply divided — part celebration, part confrontation.
Behind the scenes, some Les Mis cast members reportedly chose to skip the performance, objecting to the presidential attendance. Adding to the evening’s symbolism, drag performers were spotted in seats donated by ticket-holders critical of Trump’s earlier vow to remove “woke” shows from the Center’s lineup. The timing added more irony. The musical’s themes of resistance and uprising played out the same week federal forces were deployed to quell protests in Los Angeles. Commentators quickly noted the contrast between art and current events.
Trump also framed the night as a success for the Center’s future. After spearheading a conservative overhaul of its leadership, he claimed the event raised more than $10 million. Officials countered concerns about subscription declines, citing scheduling shifts and new campaigns. Social media, however, focused on a viral photo of Trump holding only Melania’s thumb as they exited — fueling another round of online interpretations about their body language. In the end, the night at the Kennedy Center became a cultural Rorschach test: supporters saw a leader reclaiming the arts, while critics saw striking irony in the show’s revolutionary themes echoing real-world divides.
