Trump Faces Booing, Cast Protest at Kennedy Center Les Misérables Opening

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center, marking Trump's first visit since appointing himself chairman earlier this year. Their appearance was met with mixed reactions, including cheers and boos, as well as protests from drag performers and parts of the cast; at least 10 to 12 lead and ensemble performers boycotted the performance in silent protest against Trump's overhaul of the Kennedy Center's leadership and programming. Trump replaced much of the Center's management with conservative allies, including appointing Richard Grenell as interim director, who has stated that dissenting performers might be blacklisted from future productions. The drag performers attending protested against Trump’s efforts to ban drag shows and restrict rights for trans and nonbinary Americans, with some patrons donating their tickets to support the protesters. Melania Trump drew attention for her luxury fashion choices at the event, wearing a black Bottega Veneta gown and metallic Christian Louboutin heels. Vice President J.D. Vance and second lady Usha Vance also attended amid ongoing political and cultural tensions surrounding the administration's actions.