President Trump, first lady will attend Kennedy Center's 'Les Misérables'
Share this @internewscast.com


WASHINGTON () President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are set to attend the opening of the musical “Les Misérables” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts next week, a White House official told .

“I love the songs, I love the play,” Mr. Trump said in an interview with Fox News. “I think it’s great – we may extend it.”

“Les Misérables” — a stage adaptation based on the French novel by Victor Hugo is scheduled to run at the Kennedy Center from June 11 to July 13. Hugo’s tale dives into the 19th-century Parisian underworld, detailing the struggles of the underclass and a journey of redemption.

The hit song from the 1985 musical, “Do You Hear People Sing,” is often included in Trump’s playlist at political rallies and official events. A rendition of the anthem recently played at the 2025 Governors Ball at the White House. 

But the president’s appearance next Wednesday is not without drama.

After returning to power for a second term, Trump appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center and quickly dismantled the institution’s board.

“We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!” the president wrote on Truth Social in February, adding, “The Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”  

Ticket sales in March and April at the Kennedy Center plummeted by about $1.6 million roughly 36% compared with the same period in 2024, according to The Washington Post.  

The Kennedy Center contends those direct comparisons are unfair, citing changes to subscriber packages and marketing, and emphasizing some shows have sold out.

“Our renewal campaign is just kicking off and our hard-copy season brochures have not yet hit homes,” Kim Cooper, the Kennedy Center’s senior vice president of marketing, said. “Our patrons wait for our new season brochures and renewal campaigns to take action.”

Now, nearly a dozen cast members of “Les Misérables” are planning to opt out of performing when the Trumps are in the audience.

In a statement shared with , Richard Grenell, who Trump designated as the president of the Kennedy Center, said: “The Kennedy Center will no longer fund intolerance. Any performer who isn’t professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won’t be welcomed.”

“In fact, we think it would be important to out those vapid and intolerant artists to ensure producers know who they shouldn’t hire – and that the public knows which shows have political litmus tests to sit in the audience. The Kennedy Center wants to be a place where people of all political stripes sit next to each other and never ask who someone voted for but instead enjoys a performance together,” Grenell concluded.  

Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance are also expected to attend the showing.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Pritzker Kicks Off Campaign for Third Term, Stresses Ongoing Goals in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Although November 2026 is over 16 months away,…

California Governor Gavin Newsom Files $787 Million Lawsuit Against Fox News

() California Gov. Gavin Newsom has accused Fox News of defamation in…

Thailand Implements Prescription Requirement for Cannabis Sales

BANGKOK – Thailand has initiated a ban on selling cannabis to individuals…

Arizona Fifth Graders Accused of Planning to Murder Classmate and Stage It as Suicide, Police Report

A group of fifth-grade students was detained last autumn due to an…

White House Firm on July 4 Deadline for Bold New Legislation

The White House on Thursday dug in on its expectation that Congress…

Ohio Resident Trades Energy Drinks for Travis Kelce Pinup Tattoo

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) Somewhere in the wild Midwest there is now a…

The University of South Carolina Beaufort Unveils Plans for New Sports Arena and Facilities

BLUFFTON, SC. () — The University of South Carolina Beaufort revealed plans…

ICE Arrests Suspect Accused of Child Molestation Released on Bond

CLAYTON, Mo. – A Maryland Heights man accused of child molestation missed…

During closing statements, Diddy’s attorney described his relationship with Cassie as a ‘remarkable modern romance’.

This is a complimentary article for Diddy on Trial newsletter subscribers. Sign…

Rising Odds for Tropical System Formation in the Gulf

Just a few days after the first tropical storm of the 2025…

Volunteer Art Program in Savoy Positively Impacts Alzheimer’s Patients

SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — Over seven million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s,…

Supreme Court to Review Key Louisiana Redistricting Case Again

The Supreme Court will hear a new round of arguments over Louisiana’s addition…