Yes—but the response was mixed, not unanimous. At the June 11, 2025, opening-night performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Associated Press reported that President Donald Trump was booed and cheered as he took his seat. A White House account described applause and “USA” chants as Trump and first lady Melania Trump entered the Presidential Box. The accounts describe different moments and should not be collapsed into a single claim about how the whole audience felt.
What happened at the performance?
Trump and Melania Trump attended opening night of Les Misérables on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The Associated Press reported that Trump received both boos and cheers as he took his seat. Before the show, Trump praised the production as “great” and “First class,” according to the official transcript of his remarks to reporters.
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Trump also spoke about the Kennedy Center’s future, telling reporters, “We want to bring it back, and we want to bring it back better than ever,” as quoted by the AP. The remarks came amid a wider dispute over the institution’s direction.
Why do the accounts differ on the crowd’s reaction?
| Account | Moment described | Reported response |
|---|---|---|
| Associated Press, June 11, 2025 | Trump taking his seat | Boos and cheers |
| White House, June 12, 2025 | The Trumps entering the Presidential Box | Applause and “USA” chants |
The reports describe distinct moments and come from sources with different perspectives: AP’s event reporting and an official White House account. The White House release also identified Trump as chair of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees and Melania Trump as honorary chair at that time. Neither account establishes a measured audience majority or a unanimous reaction.
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Were there protests or disruptions?
AP reported that several drag performers were in the audience as a protest against Trump’s complaints that the Kennedy Center had hosted too many drag shows. Near the end of intermission, AP also reported that an audience member cursed Trump’s name and that the remark drew applause.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did boycotts change the cast?
AP reported that cast-member boycotts meant understudies may have performed some roles that night. The report did not identify which roles, so it does not establish whether any particular part—or a defined portion of the cast—was replaced.
Quick Recap
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- Les Miserables: The Staged Concert The Sensational 2020 Live Recording Live from the Gielgud Theatre, London
- Product Type: ABIS MUSIC
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- Les Miserables
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What is established—and what is not?
- The appearance took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2025, during opening night of Les Misérables.
- AP described both boos and cheers as Trump took his seat; the White House described applause and “USA” chants as the couple entered the Presidential Box.
- The available accounts do not establish how many people booed or cheered, which response was more common, or the exact roles potentially affected by understudies.
Sources
- Associated Press: event report, June 11, 2025
- Associated Press: protest and intermission details
- White House account, June 12, 2025
- U.S. Government Publishing Office transcript of Trump’s remarks, June 11, 2025
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