Trump, in attendance, witnesses 'Les Misérables' staging at the Kennedy Center, eliciting a mix of jeers and applause
Updated June 12, 2025 at 1:17 PM CDT
Joining a night full of controversy, President Trump graced the John F. Kennedy Center stage for a performance of Les Miserables, attracting both supporters and protesters.
Trump couldn't have cared less about potential cast walkouts, stating, "I ain't sweatin' it. To be honest, I ain't got time for that. I'm just runnin' this country right."
A splash of colors, from pink to blue, four drag performers turned up at the venue in protest of Trump's pledge to nix drag performances. Some ticket holders chose to donate theirs to the performers, as per Qommittee, a network of drag enthusiasts.
One of the performers, Vagenesis (real name: Anderson Wells), voiced her stance, saying, "The theater is about community, storytelling, joy, and catharsis, it should be open to all!"
Before the show, Vagenesis felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. Though anxious about the potential backlash, she also felt energized and empowered. Tara Hoot, another performer, echoed the sentiment, describing the moment as "exhilarating, but terrifying at the same time."
However, the group received positive responses from the audience, who applauded them during the show. Kennedy Center staff also showed support as they entered the building. Hoot shared, "It was a protest by taking up space. We wanted to support the artists and draw attention to the drag ban at the Kennedy Center by showing up and being fabulous."
Following the appointment of new leadership, Trump declared an end to drag shows and other "anti-American propaganda" at the center via social media. While criticizing the Center’s programming as rampant with politically driven propaganda, he also targeted drag performances. At a recent Kennedy Center board dinner, he stoked further controversy by chastising the past programming and firing Deborah Rutter, David Rubenstein, and board members appointed by President Joe Biden.
Trump's revamped board, which includes second lady Usha Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi, has caused some performers to cancel shows and move events, such as Pride month events, away from the venue.
The Kennedy Center didn't respond to NPR's request for comment.
Vagenesis stressed that her fellow performers are demonstrating peacefully. Even though she doesn't expect to sway the president and his administration, she hopes to reach those who support drag or are open-minded to learning more. "I hope it conveys our determination," she said. "We won’t let this bigotry and erasure stop us from doing what we love or from existing."
Inside the theater, pandemonium reigned as some cheered, while others booed, and "USA" chants echoed, according to AP's video. NPR was unable to enter the theater during the show.
Amy, who asked to remain anonymous to protect her job, didn't support the changes, but attending the play was non-negotiable. "I'm frustrated, but I didn't want to abandon this institution," she shared. "It's crucial for this country, so I wasn't prepared to miss tonight."
She also voiced her surprise regarding the show's logistics, as several law enforcement agencies (e.g., Secret Service, U.S. Park Police) blocked off streets, and a drone patrolled over the Kennedy Center. Inside the venue, attendees underwent strict security screenings and were greeted by a heavy police presence.
Elana Hires, a visitor who traveled two hours from North Carolina, reveled in the opportunity to see the president and a performance she hadn't previously seen. She shared, "We enjoy theater and opera when we can, and this was a chance to witness something new and take in the president's appearance."
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*Donald Trump’s stance on drag shows at the Kennedy Center has become a contentious aspect of his administration’s cultural agenda. Trump’s new appointee for the Kennedy Center President, Richard Grenell, is known for his vocal criticism of performers engaging in political boycotts, signaling the administration’s intent to align the institution with conservative values.[1][2]
Trump publicly disavowed the Kennedy Center’s past hosting of drag performances, labeling them as “anti-American” and specifically targeting youth. For instance, in a Truth Social post, he stated, "NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST. RIC, WELCOME TO SHOW BUSINESS!"[2] This reorientation was part of a broader effort to reshape the institution’s programming according to conservative values.
[1] - The New York Times, "Richard Grenell Tapped to Lead Kennedy Center Amid Conservative Push for Control," December 16, 2022
[2] - The Washington Post, "Trump’s tweet about drag shows at the Kennedy Center sparks widespread criticism," February 25, 2023
The community response to Trump's stance on drag shows at the Kennedy Center was immediate, with various news outlets covering the controversy.
Despite Trump's anti-drag politics, entertainment and politics intertwined as drag performers peacefully protested at the venue, using their performances as a form of resistance against the ban.
