President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about the *Les Misérables* cast boycotting his appearance at the Kennedy Center, saying, “I couldn’t care less.
All I do is run the country well.” Rumors suggested the Trumps and Vice President J.D. Vance would attend the show, which featured understudies, but a source denied this, calling it “fake news.”
Drag queens gathered nearby in protest, and the Trumps received mixed reactions upon arrival.
In February, Trump took control of the Kennedy Center, removed its board, and appointed himself chairman. He named Richard Grenell as executive director, who has overseen a new lineup of musicals for the 2025–2026 season.
Several artists cut ties with the Center, and LGBTQ events, including a Pride performance and a children’s musical, were canceled. Protesters appeared at the show and were applauded. Trump praised the venue’s structure and criticized a new addition. On the red carpet, he recalled *Cats* as his first show, while Melania mentioned *Phantom of the Opera*. Trump said he has seen *Les Misérables* multiple times. When asked if he identified more with Javert or Valjean, he laughed and deflected the question to Melania, who remained silent.
