Trump, Melania Booed at Kennedy Center Les Misérables Opening

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were met with a mix of boos and cheers at the Kennedy Center during the opening performance of Les Misérables, highlighting the polarization surrounding Trump's leadership of the institution. Trump appointed himself chairman earlier this year and has replaced much of the Kennedy Center's board with conservative allies, sparking protests including cast members opting out of performing in opposition. The president's attendance symbolized his broader efforts to reshape the Kennedy Center and the national arts scene to reflect his political and cultural ideology, turning the venue into a battleground for partisan cultural conflicts. Despite strong ticket sales for Les Misérables, subscription revenue has declined significantly since Trump took over, with some patrons and artists pushing back against the administration’s changes. The event also coincided with Trump's deployment of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles amid violent protests, adding to the charged atmosphere. Performers and audience members, including drag queens attending in protest, underscored the tension between Trump's policies and the arts community's values.