On a Wednesday evening, during the Trump Administration’s gala at the revamped Kennedy Center – now under the leadership of the president following his dramatic return to the Oval Office – local drag performers staged a protest, and the audience responded with boos and chants reminiscent of a MAGA rally.
President Trump and his wife Melania attended the opening night of a traveling group’s performance of the famous musical “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center Opera House. This show gained popularity in 1980s New York as Trump was rising to fame as a real estate tycoon and media personality. Meanwhile, National Guard troops deployed by Trump are still stationed in Los Angeles for protection of federal buildings during initially peaceful protests and are also accompanying ICE in immigration raids. Before the musical’s debut, the Trumps walked down a red carpet. The show centers around the struggles of the poor and oppressed fighting against resistance as they stand on the brink of revolution – a theme that Trump has stated is one of his favorites.
The first political musical to grace the main stage at Washington D.C.’s leading venue since February, when Trump assumed control of the institution, took place this week. In his second term’s early days, Trump dismissed the entire board and appointed replacements – such as Susie Wiles, his chief of staff, Usha Vance, the Second Lady, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s wife Allison, Fox News hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham. As chairman, Trump was subsequently voted in by this newly chosen board. The event on Wednesday evening is said to have been a fundraiser for the struggling venue. Those who sponsored the event in gold paid $2 million for 10 premium seats, a photo opportunity with the president, and 10 VIP reception invitations.
Inside his cabinet, President Trump positioned himself within the presidential section following everyone taking their seats, and a few boos began to echo along with jeers from higher up. This was then met with some applause and shouting of “U.S.A! U.S.A!” from the president’s loyal supporters in the crowd. As Trump left the theater, a woman shouted accusations at him, saying, “You’re a convicted felon!” She later added, “Convicted felon, rapist!” before security stepped in to intervene.
(This version attempts to simplify the sentence structure and use more conversational language while preserving the original meaning.)
Last night at the Kennedy Center, it wasn’t just the outburst and scattered booing that served as protests. In fact, a group of four drag queens were prominently seated in front of the presidential box. This group, amidst an audience that included D.C.’s newly minted MAGA elite and traditional arts patrons from the deep-blue District, was making a statement in response to Trump’s comment that there would be no more “woke” performances or drag shows at this cherished institution following his takeover.
Performer Tara Hoot expressed a sense of inclusiveness during an interview with CNN while adorning a vibrant pink gown and feathery boa, stating, ‘I’m a huge fan of musicals, in fact, I am a drag queen.’
Four queens, as reported by The Advocate, were given tickets by dedicated season ticket holders and interacted with the audience prior to the event, brushing elbows with attendees such as Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan, Vice President J.D. Vance, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and advisor Corey Lewandowski. Upon entering the renowned establishment, the quartet was greeted with a warm welcome, primarily from locals who admired their stylish outfits and voluminous hair.
As a passionate fan counting down the days to the Washington debut of Les Misérables, I’ve been following the buzz surrounding the show. However, there’s been some controversy brewing among the cast, as ten out of twelve main actors have threatened to boycott if Trump were to attend. It’s uncertain whether they carried out this promise, but it seems that Trump remains unfazed by such matters. This week, his unconventional handling of the federal response to L.A.’s protests has taken an unexpected turn, with a journalist getting hit by a rubber bullet on live television.
“I couldn’t care less, honestly, I couldn’t,” he replied. “All I do is run the country — well.”
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2025-06-12 23:54