Trump Attends ‘Les Misérables’ at Kennedy Center, Met With Divided Audience Response

Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump attended the opening night performance of the acclaimed musical “Les Misérables” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The visit marked Mr. Trump’s first time attending a theatrical production at the prestigious Washington venue since the conclusion of his presidency.

Upon taking his seat alongside former First Lady Melania Trump, the former president was greeted by a distinctly mixed reaction from the audience. The reception included both audible boos and cheers, underscoring the polarized political climate that often accompanies his public appearances.

Audience Reaction and Context

The moment of Mr. Trump’s arrival in the auditorium became a focal point, with the divided applause and jeers echoing through the hall. The incident occurred against a backdrop of Mr. Trump’s reported focus on asserting greater control over the country’s cultural landscape and institutions, including specific attention towards the Kennedy Center itself.

The tensions within the audience were further highlighted later in the evening. Near the end of the intermission, a loud curse directed at Mr. Trump was heard, which was subsequently met with applause from a segment of the attendees, signaling continued dissent within the crowd.

Protest and Political Symbolism

The evening also saw a visible form of protest. Several drag queens were present in the audience, a deliberate act intended as a direct form of protest against Mr. Trump’s previous public complaints regarding the Kennedy Center’s decision to host drag shows. Their presence served as a symbolic statement amidst the formal setting of the performing arts center.

Notable Attendees

Beyond the former president and first lady, the opening night drew several other prominent figures. Among the notable attendees were Ric Grenell, who holds the position of the Trump-appointed interim leader of the Kennedy Center, and former Vice President JD Vance, who was present with his wife, Usha Vance. Their attendance underscored the political dimensions intertwined with the cultural event.

External Commentary

The political commentary surrounding Mr. Trump’s attendance extended beyond the theater itself. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, weighed in on the event via social media. In a notable post, Governor Newsom suggested that someone should explain the plot of “Les Misérables” to Mr. Trump, a remark that referenced the musical’s central themes, which prominently feature rebellion, social injustice, and the struggle for liberation.

The attendance of the former president at the “Les Misérables” opening night at the Kennedy Center thus became more than just a cultural outing. It evolved into a public moment that reflected broader political divisions, ongoing debates about cultural institutions, and the intersection of politics and the arts in contemporary American society.