Particle.news
Download on the App Store
50 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Trump Attends ‘Les Misérables’ at Overhauled Kennedy Center

Donors contributed $10 million in a high-priced reception despite a sharp 36% drop in season subscriptions.

Image
President Donald Trump gestures while he poses for a picture at the presidential box at the Kennedy Center, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 17, 2025.
US President Donald Trump (L) and First Lady Melania Trump arrive to attend the opening night of "Les Miserables" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2025.
Image

Overview

  • In February Trump fired the Kennedy Center’s director and trustees and named himself chairman to reshape its programming.
  • Up to a dozen cast members of the Les Misérables touring company boycotted opening night, prompting understudies to step into their roles.
  • Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were met with mixed boos and cheers as they took their seats in the presidential box.
  • Overall subscription revenue for the upcoming season has fallen 36% to $2.8 million and theater subscriptions have plunged 82%.
  • Despite Trump’s vow to eliminate “woke” shows, upcoming Kennedy Center performances such as “Chicago” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” still include drag characters.