When asked why the cast of Les Misérables boycotted his performance, President Donald Trump responded defiantly as he entered the Kennedy Centre Wednesday night with First Lady Melania Trump at his side.
“I couldn’t care less. Honestly, I couldn’t,” said Trump. “All I do is run the country well.”
Prior to Wednesday night’s premiere, there were rumours that the Trumps, Vice President J.D. Vance, and his wife Usha would attend the legendary musical performed by a few understudies.
A source close to interim Kennedy Center executive director Richard Grenell pushed back on that reporting to the Daily Mail: “It was a fake news from CNN from the beginning – all anonymous sources.”
As President Trump arrived at the Kennedy Centre, drag queens gathered nearby in protest, following warnings of disruptions. While some attendees cheered, others booed. Just 19 days into his second term, Trump declared himself chairman of the Kennedy Centre, replacing the board and appointing Richard Grenell as executive director. Controversy followed: LGBTQ programs were relocated, and shows like Finn and the Gay Men’s Chorus performance were cancelled. Stars like Shonda Rhimes and Ben Folds cut ties. Despite backlash, Trump praised the revamped season lineup, including Les Misérables and Spamalot, calling it “really great” and hinting at more “fantastic” productions ahead
However, the president appeared irritated when a reporter asked him if he identified more with Inspector Javert or the ex-convict Jean Valjean.
“Oh that’s a tough one, the last part of that question, that’s tough I think,” Trump said laughing. “You better answer that one honey, I don’t know.”
Melania Trump remained silent.
