Camilla Jessen
The Kennedy Center set the stage for “Les Misérables” but the real drama unfolded in the audience where President Donald Trump was in attendance.
U.S. President Donald Trump attended a performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center on June 11, but much of the drama took place offstage.
Just days before his 79th birthday, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at the theater to watch the musical, which tells the story of revolution and injustice in 19th-century France.
“I’ve seen it many times, it’s one of my favorites,” Trump said, according to Reuters and Newsner.
He also praised the Kennedy Center, saying, “We are taking it back and we are going to turn it back into something great.”
Cast Members Boycott Performance
Some cast members chose not to perform that evening as a form of protest against Trump’s attendance.
According to CNN, the production allowed cast members to sit out the performance if they wished, and several lead actors and ensemble members used that option.
When asked about the protests, Trump said: “I couldn’t care less. Honestly, I couldn’t. All I do is run the country well.”
Some Trump critics also donated their tickets to drag performers as part of a separate protest.
According to NPR, drag queen Tara Hoot, who attended, said: “We wanted to support the artists and bring attention to the drag ban at the Kennedy Center by showing up and being gorgeous.”
Hoot and others received applause when they took their seats.
Audience Reactions Turn Heated
During intermission, as Trump and Melania stood in the presidential box, a woman in the orchestra section shouted: “Felon, you’re a convicted felon! Convicted felon, rapist!”
Security quickly removed her from the theater.
Soon after, another person in the audience shouted an expletive at Trump, which led to a mix of boos, cheers, and chants of “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!”
Trump responded by pumping his fist in the air three times, a gesture similar to one he made after surviving an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania last year.
Online Reactions
Videos of the event quickly spread on social media.
Many users pointed out the irony of Trump attending Les Misérables, a musical about people rising up against their government.
California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: “Someone explain the plot to him.”
Others shared similar comments and clips of the mixed crowd reactions.