Trump Faces Mixed Reactions at Kennedy Center Les Misérables Debut Amid Conservative Overhaul

President Donald Trump attended the opening night of Les Misérables at the John F. Kennedy Center, drawing a polarized response from the audience, including boos, cheers, and chants. His presence was highly controversial due to his recent conservative overhaul of the Kennedy Center, which included dismissing Biden-era appointees, cutting "woke" programming such as drag shows, and appointing loyalists to key positions. Several principal cast members reportedly boycotted the performance in protest, and there were notable empty seats throughout the venue, signaling some patrons' disapproval. Despite the backlash, Trump expressed confidence in his management of the center and highlighted significant fundraising efforts exceeding $10 million. The event reflected deep cultural and political divisions, with drag queens receiving applause amid the boos directed at Trump, underscoring tensions over the direction of the nation's premier cultural institution. Subscription revenues have declined since Trump's takeover, and some touring productions have canceled planned runs, illustrating the impact of his policies on the Kennedy Center's traditional audience and programming.