Former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made a surprise appearance at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday night, where they attended a special performance of Les Misérables, featuring understudy actors.
The couple was joined by Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, creating a buzz on the red carpet as they arrived at the historic venue. But what really grabbed headlines was Trump’s reaction to the ongoing boycott by certain celebrities upset over his recent changes at the Kennedy Center.
When a reporter asked Trump how he felt about the actors’ plan to boycott his presence, he simply replied, “I couldn’t care less, all I do is run the country well.”
A Return with Big Changes
This event marked Trump’s first visit to the Kennedy Center since he named himself chairman in February. The appointment followed his dismissal of several board members, and his decision to appoint Richard Grenell as executive director. Trump claimed the center was in “tremendous disrepair” and said it was time to restore its reputation and facilities.
He strongly criticized the center’s former leadership, especially for hosting drag shows he said were “specifically targeting our youth.” According to Trump, the mission now is to revive the Kennedy Center and make it better than ever. “It needs a little help from the standpoint of age and fitness, but it’s going to be fantastic,” he said.
Celebrity Backlash and Program Cuts
Trump’s leadership changes have not gone unnoticed. Prominent figures like Shonda Rhimes and musician Ben Folds have cut ties with the Kennedy Center in protest. Additionally, several LGBTQ-themed events, especially those related to Pride Month, were either canceled or moved elsewhere, drawing criticism and sparking protests.
One of the more notable cancellations was the children’s musical Finn, which focused on LGBTQ themes, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Drag Performers Respond with Surprise Protest
Despite these cancellations, drag performers made an unexpected appearance during Wednesday night’s show, using the moment to protest Trump’s changes. According to videos shared online, some members of the audience responded with cheers and applause, showing support for the performers.
Trump Reflects on the Arts
On the red carpet, Trump complimented Grenell’s efforts in managing the center and shared a few personal thoughts. He recalled his first theatre experience, guessing it might have been Cats, and added that he had seen Les Misérables several times before.
When asked whether he saw himself more as Javert or Jean Valjean—the two main characters of the musical—Trump chuckled and said, “That’s tough. You better answer that one, honey.” Melania, however, stayed quiet.
As the evening wrapped up, it was clear that Trump’s return to the Kennedy Center has ignited strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Whether his changes will shape a new direction for the venue—or continue to spark controversy—remains to be seen.
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