Trump met with cheers and boos as he attends Les Mis
US President Donald Trump has been greeted with a high-volume mix of boos and cheers as he took his seat for his first production 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 before a performance of Les Miserables on Wednesday reflected the heightened emotions that have been unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural centre.
Trump has pushed out its former chairman, fired its longtime president and pledged to overhaul an institution that he criticised as too liberal.
The centre, a leading US arts facility, had long enjoyed bipartisan support.
Ticket sales have fallen since and some shows, including the hit Hamilton, have cancelled their appearances at the 2300-capacity theatre.
At Wednesday's performance, several drag queens in full regalia sat in the audience, likely in response to Trump's criticism of the venue for hosting drag shows. One person shouted "Viva Los Angeles" as Trump stepped out of the presidential box at the intermission.
Trump has sent military troops to quell protests against his immigration raids in that city.
Trump's appearance was meant to boost fundraising for the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and he said donors raised more than $US10 million ($A15 million).
"We're going to make it incredible. We have all the funding. We raised a lot tonight, and we'll put in a lot of money to bring it back to the highest level," a tuxedo-clad Trump told reporters after other administration officials arrived on the red carpet.
Still, overall year-on-year subscription revenue was down 36 per cent to $US2.8 million as of early June for next season, which begins in the autumn, according to a person briefed on the data.
The centre is now under the leadership of Ric Grenell, a close Trump ally and former ambassador to Germany.
He has sought to add more conservative-leaning programming, including a show that Grenell has described as a celebration of the birth of Christ.
Trump said he particularly enjoyed Les Miserables, a musical about citizens rising up against their government.
"I've seen it many times, it's one of my favourites," he said.
Along with the first lady, Vice President JD Vance, Attorney-General Pam Bondi and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also attended.
US President Donald Trump has been greeted with a high-volume mix of boos and cheers as he took his seat for his first production 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 before a performance of Les Miserables on Wednesday reflected the heightened emotions that have been unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural centre.
Trump has pushed out its former chairman, fired its longtime president and pledged to overhaul an institution that he criticised as too liberal.
The centre, a leading US arts facility, had long enjoyed bipartisan support.
Ticket sales have fallen since and some shows, including the hit Hamilton, have cancelled their appearances at the 2300-capacity theatre.
At Wednesday's performance, several drag queens in full regalia sat in the audience, likely in response to Trump's criticism of the venue for hosting drag shows. One person shouted "Viva Los Angeles" as Trump stepped out of the presidential box at the intermission.
Trump has sent military troops to quell protests against his immigration raids in that city.
Trump's appearance was meant to boost fundraising for the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and he said donors raised more than $US10 million ($A15 million).
"We're going to make it incredible. We have all the funding. We raised a lot tonight, and we'll put in a lot of money to bring it back to the highest level," a tuxedo-clad Trump told reporters after other administration officials arrived on the red carpet.
Still, overall year-on-year subscription revenue was down 36 per cent to $US2.8 million as of early June for next season, which begins in the autumn, according to a person briefed on the data.
The centre is now under the leadership of Ric Grenell, a close Trump ally and former ambassador to Germany.
He has sought to add more conservative-leaning programming, including a show that Grenell has described as a celebration of the birth of Christ.
Trump said he particularly enjoyed Les Miserables, a musical about citizens rising up against their government.
"I've seen it many times, it's one of my favourites," he said.
Along with the first lady, Vice President JD Vance, Attorney-General Pam Bondi and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also attended.
US President Donald Trump has been greeted with a high-volume mix of boos and cheers as he took his seat for his first production 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 before a performance of Les Miserables on Wednesday reflected the heightened emotions that have been unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural centre.
Trump has pushed out its former chairman, fired its longtime president and pledged to overhaul an institution that he criticised as too liberal.
The centre, a leading US arts facility, had long enjoyed bipartisan support.
Ticket sales have fallen since and some shows, including the hit Hamilton, have cancelled their appearances at the 2300-capacity theatre.
At Wednesday's performance, several drag queens in full regalia sat in the audience, likely in response to Trump's criticism of the venue for hosting drag shows. One person shouted "Viva Los Angeles" as Trump stepped out of the presidential box at the intermission.
Trump has sent military troops to quell protests against his immigration raids in that city.
Trump's appearance was meant to boost fundraising for the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and he said donors raised more than $US10 million ($A15 million).
"We're going to make it incredible. We have all the funding. We raised a lot tonight, and we'll put in a lot of money to bring it back to the highest level," a tuxedo-clad Trump told reporters after other administration officials arrived on the red carpet.
Still, overall year-on-year subscription revenue was down 36 per cent to $US2.8 million as of early June for next season, which begins in the autumn, according to a person briefed on the data.
The centre is now under the leadership of Ric Grenell, a close Trump ally and former ambassador to Germany.
He has sought to add more conservative-leaning programming, including a show that Grenell has described as a celebration of the birth of Christ.
Trump said he particularly enjoyed Les Miserables, a musical about citizens rising up against their government.
"I've seen it many times, it's one of my favourites," he said.
Along with the first lady, Vice President JD Vance, Attorney-General Pam Bondi and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also attended.
US President Donald Trump has been greeted with a high-volume mix of boos and cheers as he took his seat for his first production 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 before a performance of Les Miserables on Wednesday reflected the heightened emotions that have been unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural centre.
Trump has pushed out its former chairman, fired its longtime president and pledged to overhaul an institution that he criticised as too liberal.
The centre, a leading US arts facility, had long enjoyed bipartisan support.
Ticket sales have fallen since and some shows, including the hit Hamilton, have cancelled their appearances at the 2300-capacity theatre.
At Wednesday's performance, several drag queens in full regalia sat in the audience, likely in response to Trump's criticism of the venue for hosting drag shows. One person shouted "Viva Los Angeles" as Trump stepped out of the presidential box at the intermission.
Trump has sent military troops to quell protests against his immigration raids in that city.
Trump's appearance was meant to boost fundraising for the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and he said donors raised more than $US10 million ($A15 million).
"We're going to make it incredible. We have all the funding. We raised a lot tonight, and we'll put in a lot of money to bring it back to the highest level," a tuxedo-clad Trump told reporters after other administration officials arrived on the red carpet.
Still, overall year-on-year subscription revenue was down 36 per cent to $US2.8 million as of early June for next season, which begins in the autumn, according to a person briefed on the data.
The centre is now under the leadership of Ric Grenell, a close Trump ally and former ambassador to Germany.
He has sought to add more conservative-leaning programming, including a show that Grenell has described as a celebration of the birth of Christ.
Trump said he particularly enjoyed Les Miserables, a musical about citizens rising up against their government.
"I've seen it many times, it's one of my favourites," he said.
Along with the first lady, Vice President JD Vance, Attorney-General Pam Bondi and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also attended.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
32 minutes ago
- ABC News
Trump can keep National Guard deployed to LA for now, appeals court rules
A US appeals court has temporarily blocked a federal judge's order that directed President Donald Trump to return control of National Guard troops to California after he deployed them there following protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals said it would hold a hearing on the matter on June 17. The ruling came just hours after a federal judge's order was to take effect at noon on Friday, local time. Earlier on Thursday, US District Judge Charles Breyer ruled the Guard deployment was illegal, violating the Tenth Amendment and exceeding Trump's statutory authority. The order applied only to the National Guard troops and not Marines who were also deployed to the LA protests. The judge said he would not rule on the Marines because they were not out on the streets yet. California Governor Gavin Newsom, who had asked the judge for an emergency stop to troops helping carry out immigration raids, had praised the earlier ruling. "Today was really about a test of democracy, and today we passed the test," he said in a news conference before the appeals court decision. The White House had called Breyer's order "unprecedented" and said it "puts our brave federal officials in danger". "The district court has no authority to usurp the President's authority as Commander in Chief," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. "The President exercised his lawful authority to [mobilise] the National Guard to protect federal buildings and personnel in Gavin Newsom's lawless Los Angeles. "The Trump Administration will immediately appeal this abuse of power and looks forward to ultimate victory on the issue." Mr Newsom's case was solely focused on the National Guard, and the judge said when the state attorney asked about whether this could apply to the Marines that he would not rule on that because they were not on the streets yet. About 700 Marines have been undergoing civil disturbance training at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in Orange County, California. "I have been told by the office of the governor that within the next 24 hours, 140 Marines will replace and relieve National Guard members in Los Angeles," attorney for the state Nicholas Green told the court. Typically the authority to call up the National Guard lies with governors, but there are limited circumstances under which the president can deploy those troops. Mr Trump federalised members of the California National Guard under an authority known as Title 10. Title 10 allows the president to call the National Guard into federal service under certain limited circumstances, such as when the country "is invaded," when "there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government," or when the president is unable "to execute the laws of the United States". Judge Breyer said in his ruling that what is happening in Los Angeles does not meet the definition of a rebellion. "The protests in Los Angeles fall far short of 'rebellion,'" he wrote. It was not immediately clear how that would change the situation on the ground. Mr Newsom sued to block the Guard's deployment against his wishes. California later filed an emergency motion asking the judge to block the Guard from assisting with immigration raids. The governor argued the troops were originally deployed to guard federal buildings and called for the court to block the troops from helping protect immigration agents during the raids, saying involving the Guard would only escalate tensions and promote civil unrest. Major General Scott Sherman, commander of Task Force 51 which is overseeing the Guard troops and Marines sent to Los Angeles, said as of Wednesday about 500 Guard troops had been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations. Photos of Guard soldiers providing security for the agents have already been circulated by immigration officials. None of the Marines have been trained to go on immigration raids, and it is not yet clear if they eventually will, Major General Sherman said. In his broad ruling, the judge determined Mr Trump had not properly called the Guard up in the first place. The lawsuit argued that Title 10 also requires the president to go through governors when issuing orders to the National Guard. Brett Shumate, a lawyer for the federal government, said Mr Trump complied with the statute by informing the general in charge of the troops of his decision and would have the authority to call in the Guard even if he had not. In a brief filed ahead of the Thursday hearing, the Department of Justice said Mr Trump's orders were not subject to judicial review. "Courts did not interfere when President Eisenhower deployed the military to protect school desegregation," the department said. "Courts did not interfere when President Nixon deployed the military to deliver the mail in the midst of a postal strike. "And courts should not interfere here either." Judge Breyer, who at one point waved a copy of the constitution, said he disagreed. "We're talking about the president exercising his authority, and the president is of course limited in that authority," he said. "That's the difference between a constitutional government and King George." AP
AU Financial Review
32 minutes ago
- AU Financial Review
Trump's ‘deal' with China is just a waypoint to the next fight
It might sound odd to say, given that Donald Trump at one stage hit Chinese imports with tariffs of 145 per cent, but the truth is that the US president has barely turned his attention to China policy. The negotiations, which concluded in London this week and involved three US cabinet secretaries and a politburo-led Chinese team, were an effort to untie the knot tangled by Trump's initial sky-high tariffs.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Australia 'alarmed' at escalating Israel-Iran violence
Australia is "alarmed" at the escalating violence between Israel and Iran after attacks on nuclear and military targets in the Iranian capital Tehran. Israel hit dozens of the sites on Friday as tensions soared in the wake of a United Nations agency finding Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the conflict risked further destabilising a region that is already very volatile. "Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran," she said soon after the strikes were confirmed. "We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that ... would further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program - it represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy." The federal government's Smartraveller website was updated on Friday with a "do not travel" warning for Iran. Iran has halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said. Tensions have been building in the region as US efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked. US intelligence had previously indicated that Israel was making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, as part of its ongoing efforts to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling out diplomats from the Middle East. Meanwhile, Senator Wong also announced Australia will provide an extra $10 million to help with the distribution of urgent medical and food supplies to Gaza. "The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic," she said. "Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies, schools, hospitals and homes destroyed. "I know so many Australians are distressed by the suffering, and many Australians are frustrated that we have been unable to move the dial on our own." Australia has contributed more than $110 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. The government is partnering with Jordan to provide urgent medical care to Palestinians seriously injured in Gaza, while providing $5 million to UNICEF to help feed children. Australia is "alarmed" at the escalating violence between Israel and Iran after attacks on nuclear and military targets in the Iranian capital Tehran. Israel hit dozens of the sites on Friday as tensions soared in the wake of a United Nations agency finding Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the conflict risked further destabilising a region that is already very volatile. "Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran," she said soon after the strikes were confirmed. "We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that ... would further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program - it represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy." The federal government's Smartraveller website was updated on Friday with a "do not travel" warning for Iran. Iran has halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said. Tensions have been building in the region as US efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked. US intelligence had previously indicated that Israel was making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, as part of its ongoing efforts to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling out diplomats from the Middle East. Meanwhile, Senator Wong also announced Australia will provide an extra $10 million to help with the distribution of urgent medical and food supplies to Gaza. "The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic," she said. "Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies, schools, hospitals and homes destroyed. "I know so many Australians are distressed by the suffering, and many Australians are frustrated that we have been unable to move the dial on our own." Australia has contributed more than $110 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. The government is partnering with Jordan to provide urgent medical care to Palestinians seriously injured in Gaza, while providing $5 million to UNICEF to help feed children. Australia is "alarmed" at the escalating violence between Israel and Iran after attacks on nuclear and military targets in the Iranian capital Tehran. Israel hit dozens of the sites on Friday as tensions soared in the wake of a United Nations agency finding Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the conflict risked further destabilising a region that is already very volatile. "Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran," she said soon after the strikes were confirmed. "We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that ... would further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program - it represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy." The federal government's Smartraveller website was updated on Friday with a "do not travel" warning for Iran. Iran has halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said. Tensions have been building in the region as US efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked. US intelligence had previously indicated that Israel was making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, as part of its ongoing efforts to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling out diplomats from the Middle East. Meanwhile, Senator Wong also announced Australia will provide an extra $10 million to help with the distribution of urgent medical and food supplies to Gaza. "The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic," she said. "Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies, schools, hospitals and homes destroyed. "I know so many Australians are distressed by the suffering, and many Australians are frustrated that we have been unable to move the dial on our own." Australia has contributed more than $110 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. The government is partnering with Jordan to provide urgent medical care to Palestinians seriously injured in Gaza, while providing $5 million to UNICEF to help feed children. Australia is "alarmed" at the escalating violence between Israel and Iran after attacks on nuclear and military targets in the Iranian capital Tehran. Israel hit dozens of the sites on Friday as tensions soared in the wake of a United Nations agency finding Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the conflict risked further destabilising a region that is already very volatile. "Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran," she said soon after the strikes were confirmed. "We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that ... would further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program - it represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy." The federal government's Smartraveller website was updated on Friday with a "do not travel" warning for Iran. Iran has halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said. Tensions have been building in the region as US efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked. US intelligence had previously indicated that Israel was making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, as part of its ongoing efforts to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling out diplomats from the Middle East. Meanwhile, Senator Wong also announced Australia will provide an extra $10 million to help with the distribution of urgent medical and food supplies to Gaza. "The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic," she said. "Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies, schools, hospitals and homes destroyed. "I know so many Australians are distressed by the suffering, and many Australians are frustrated that we have been unable to move the dial on our own." Australia has contributed more than $110 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. The government is partnering with Jordan to provide urgent medical care to Palestinians seriously injured in Gaza, while providing $5 million to UNICEF to help feed children.
