Drama erupts as Donald Trump attends ‘Les Misérables’

Trump Attends “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center
On June 11, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the Kennedy Center’s production of Les Misérables, a musical about injustice and revolution. Trump said, “I’ve seen it many times, it’s one of my favorites.” This visit came after Trump controversially dismissed much of the Kennedy Center’s leadership and criticized its programming as “woke,” even declaring on Truth Social, “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.”

Cast Protest and Drag Artist Presence
Before the show, some cast members reportedly chose not to perform in protest of Trump’s attendance. Trump responded to the boycott by saying, “I couldn’t care less… I just manage the nation effectively.” Meanwhile, some ticket buyers gave their seats to drag artists as a form of protest. Tara Hoot, one of the drag performers, said, “It was protest by taking up space. We wanted to show up and be beautiful in order to support the artists and raise awareness of the drag ban at the Kennedy Center.”

Audience Reactions and Outbursts
The atmosphere grew tense when Trump and Melania stood in the presidential box at intermission. A woman shouted, “Felon, you’re a convicted felon!” and was quickly escorted out. Other audience members shouted phrases like “F**k Trump!” followed by cheers and jeers. Trump responded by pumping his fist in the air three times, mirroring a famous gesture from a previous campaign rally.

Public and Online Response
Many found it “wildly ironic” that Trump was watching Les Misérables, a story of rebellion against tyranny, while deploying troops to suppress protests. California Governor Gavin Newsom joked, “Someone explain the plot to him.” Online reactions varied, with some celebrating the jeers and others noting, “A lot of people hate Trump.” The event sparked lively debate about Trump’s reception and the symbolism of the musical’s themes.