Trump Attends Les Mis at Kennedy Center Amid Cast Boycott

President Donald Trump attended the opening night of "Les Misérables" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, where some cast members boycotted the event due to his presence and recent conservative takeover of the venue. Trump, who appointed himself chairman earlier this year and replaced the Kennedy Center board, dismissed the boycott, stating, "I couldn't care less, all I do is run the country well." The event raised $10 million and was also attended by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance. Several drag queens protested outside and attended the performance, receiving mixed reactions from the audience. Trump praised the interim executive director Richard Grenell and expressed confidence in revitalizing the aged venue, despite criticism and several artists severing ties in response to his leadership. The president linked the performance's revolutionary themes to current national unrest, particularly the protests in Los Angeles related to immigration enforcement.