Trump and FLOTUS booed and cheered at the Kennedy Center while attending 'Les Misérables'
President Donald Trump was both cheered and booed June 11 as he attended a performance of "Les Misérables" at the Kennedy Center, the performing arts facility he has subjected to a conservative takeover.
The mixed reception for Trump and his wife Melania as they arrived in the presidential box reflected the heightened emotions that have been unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural center. This was his first time attending a show at the famed location, where he installed himself as chairman in February after firing many members of the board.
Trump told reporters on the red carpet that the evening, which doubled as fundraiser for the Kennedy Center, had raised over $10 million. Donors could pay up to $2 million to attend the opening night, which includes a reception, premier seating, and a photo with Trump.
Of his plans for renovating the space, which first opened in 1971, Trump said: 'We want to bring it back better than ever. As you know it needs a little help from the standpoint of age and fitness, but it's going to be fantastic.'
In March, Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha were booed at by the audience during a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra at the iconic arts venue. Richard Grenell, Trump's envoy for special missions, is the Kennedy Center's new president.
The evening show is a rare public appearance for the Trumps in Washington's night life. The president didn't attend any Kennedy Center shows during his first term but has showed keen interest in the venue since winning back the White House.
Trump's second term has featured efforts to exert more control over high-profile institutions, from Harvard University to the Smithsonian. The president has complained about "woke" programming and "drag shows" at the Kennedy Center.
Fallout from Trump's moves at the center have attracted a blitz of reactions and media attention. The musical "Hamilton" canceled plans to appear there, staff left and sales of subscriptions and individual tickets for Kennedy Center shows have dropped, two people briefed on the data told Reuters.
Overall year-on-year subscription revenue was down 36% to $2.8 million as of early June for next season, which begins in the autumn, Reuters reported. Theater subscriptions, normally a major revenue driver for the center, were down 82%.
A Kennedy Center official told Reuters the comparisons reflected in those subscription sales were not accurate because the center had launched its subscription renewal campaign later in 2025 than 2024.
"Our renewal campaign is just kicking off," said Kim Cooper, senior vice president of marketing, in a statement. Cooper also noted the center had launched a new subscription option that allowed customers to "mix and match" genres and said more announcements of shows were coming.
The Kennedy Center depends on revenue from tickets and subscriptions, as well as donations.
"President Trump cares deeply about American arts and culture, which is why he is revitalizing historic institutions like the Kennedy Center to their former greatness," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement.
Trump's appearance at "Les Miserables", a show about citizens rising up against their government, comes just days after he sent U.S. Marines and the National Guard to quell protests against his administration's immigration raids in Los Angeles.
Contributing: Reuters, Joey Garrison
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump and Melania booed, cheered at revamped Kennedy Center
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