Overview
- At the Kennedy Center’s Opera House opening of Les Misérables on June 11, Trump and Melania faced a blend of boos, cheers and “USA!” chants when they entered the auditorium.
- The appearance was his first at the venue since he fired the previous board in February, installed Trump appointees and assumed the chairmanship.
- In response to his leadership, several shows including Hamilton canceled scheduled runs and consultants such as Renée Fleming and Ben Folds resigned.
- Reports indicate up to a dozen cast members boycotted the performance, and a visible group of drag queens attended in protest against restrictions on LGBTQ+ programming.
- Subscription package sales have plunged since the takeover, and Trump announced that donor ticket packages raised about $10 million for the center.