President Trump and First Lady Melania attended *Les Misérables* at the Kennedy Center, joined by Vice President JD Vance and his wife. Some performers had planned protests, but Trump dismissed concerns: “I couldn’t care less, all I do is run the country well.”
This was Trump’s first visit since appointing himself chairman in February. He had fired several board members and named Richard Grenell executive director, vowing to restore the center’s image. “We want to bring it back better than ever,” Trump said, criticizing past leadership for promoting drag shows aimed at youth.
In response, major figures like Shonda Rhimes and Ben Folds cut ties with the Kennedy Center. LGBTQ-themed events, including *Finn*, were canceled or moved, sparking public backlash.
During Wednesday’s show, drag queens staged a protest by attending the performance. Online videos captured both cheers and applause from some audience members.
Trump praised Grenell’s work and reflected on his first theater experience, guessing it was *Cats*. When asked which *Les Misérables* character he related to—Javert or Jean Valjean—Trump laughed and left the question to Melania, who stayed silent.
