President Trump shrugged off boycotting actors at a recent ‘Les Misérables’ performance, attending despite the controversy and raising $10 million for the Kennedy Center he now chairs.
At a Glance
- President Trump and First Lady Melania attended “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center despite some cast members boycotting his presence
- Trump dismissed the actors’ protest, stating he “couldn’t care less” and is focused on “running the country well”
- The president took control of the Kennedy Center in February, appointing himself chairman with the goal of eliminating “woke” programming
- The event raised $10 million but occurred amid reports of declining subscription sales following Trump’s takeover
- Audience reactions were mixed, with both boos and cheers as Trump appeared, while drag queens attended in protest
Trump Unfazed by Theater Boycott
When questioned about actors boycotting his attendance at the Kennedy Center’s production of “Les Misérables,” President Trump delivered a dismissive response that highlighted his priorities. The president and First Lady were attending a performance of the classic musical as part of his ongoing efforts to reshape the national cultural center after taking control of its board earlier this year. Several cast members had reportedly refused to perform due to Trump’s presence, a gesture that failed to deter the president from his night out.
“I couldn’t care less, honestly, I couldn’t. All I do is run the country well,” Trump declared when asked about the boycott. “There’s no inflation. People are happy. People are wealthy. The country is getting back to strength again.”
.@realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS Melania Trump share their first theater experiences ahead of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center. The president adds he 'couldn't care less' if actors boycott the show, saying he's 'running the country well.'
READ: https://t.co/lm9QcgNcpa pic.twitter.com/zRxKsy9535
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) June 11, 2025
Kennedy Center Leadership Overhaul
The theatrical controversy comes months after President Trump’s February takeover of the Kennedy Center, where he replaced much of the board with loyalists and appointed himself chairman. This dramatic restructuring was part of his stated mission to eliminate what he termed “woke” programming at the prestigious venue. Richard Grenell, the Trump-appointed president of the Kennedy Center, had criticized the potential actor boycott prior to the event and suggested publicly identifying participating actors.
“We want to bring it back better than ever,” said President Trump regarding his vision for the Kennedy Center, which has reportedly experienced a significant drop in subscription sales following the leadership changes.
According to reports, Trump fired the previous Kennedy Center board while criticizing them for allowing drag shows. The president’s new direction for the cultural institution has been met with mixed reactions from the arts community and patrons. Despite the controversy, the “Les Misérables” event successfully raised $10 million and was attended by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance.
Mixed Reception and Protests
The president’s arrival at the Kennedy Center triggered a divided response from those in attendance. Eyewitnesses reported both boos and cheers as Trump appeared, with some supporters breaking into chants of “USA! USA!” Meanwhile, a group of drag queens attended the performance as a form of protest against Trump’s changes to the Kennedy Center’s programming priorities, receiving their own share of applause from some audience members.
Sources close to the president noted that Trump has seen “Les Misérables” multiple times in the past and has reportedly joked about identifying with the characters Jean Valjean or Inspector Javert. The musical’s themes of justice, redemption, and revolution stand in stark contrast to the real-world political drama unfolding around the performance itself.
Broader Context of Trump’s Agenda
While the Kennedy Center controversy played out, President Trump has been addressing other national priorities. Reports indicate that anti-ICE protests have been occurring nationwide, with significant unrest in Los Angeles prompting the deployment of military forces to address the situation. Trump attributed the unrest to “radical left lunatics” while emphasizing his commitment to restoring order.
“We are going to have law and order in our country,” stated President Trump in relation to the ongoing protests.
Separately, the president has announced plans for a $30 million military parade to coincide with his upcoming 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The event will feature military vehicles and personnel in a display of American military strength, further highlighting Trump’s focus on traditional patriotic celebrations alongside his cultural agenda at institutions like the Kennedy Center.
