US President Donald Trump was greeted with a high-volume mix of boos and cheers on Wednesday as he took his seat for his first production at the Kennedy Centre, the performing arts facility he has subjected to a conservative takeover.
The mixed reception for Trump and his wife Melania as they arrived in the presidential box before a performance of "Les Miserables" reflected the heightened emotions that have been unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural centre. Trump has pushed out its former chairman, fired its longtime president and pledged to overhaul an institution that he criticised as too liberal. The centre, a leading US arts facility, had long enjoyed bipartisan support. Ticket sales have fallen since and some shows, including the hit "Hamilton," have cancelled their appearances at the 2,300-capacity theatre.
At Wednesday's performance, several drag queens in full regalia sat in the audience, likely in response to Trump's criticism of the venue for hosting drag shows. One person shouted "Viva Los Angeles" as Trump stepped out of the presidential box at the intermission. Trump has sent military troops to quell protests against his immigration raids in that city. Trump's appearance was meant to boost fundraising for the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, and he said donors raised over $10 million.
"We're going to make it incredible. We have all the funding. We raised a lot tonight, and we'll put in a lot of money to bring it back to the highest level," a tuxedo-clad Trump told reporters after other administration officials arrived on the red carpet.
SUBSCRIPTIONS DOWN
Still, overall year-on-year subscription revenue was down 36 % to $2.8 million as of early June for next season, which begins in the autumn, according to a person briefed on the data. Theatre subscriptions, normally a major revenue driver for the centre, were down 82 %.
A Kennedy Centre official said the comparisons reflected in those subscription sales were not accurate because the centre had launched its subscription renewal campaign later in 2025 than 2024. "Our renewal campaign is just kicking off," Kim Cooper, senior vice president of marketing, said in a statement. Cooper also noted the centre had launched a new subscription option that allowed customers to "mix and match" genres and said more announcements of shows were coming.
The Kennedy Centre depends on revenue from tickets and subscriptions as well as donations to operate. Ticket sales for "Les Miserables" have been robust, according to another Kennedy Centre official.
Donors who pay $100,000 to $2 million got to attend a reception before the show, receive a photo with the president and be seated in good locations in the theatre.
"We've raised a little more than $10 million for tonight, which is pretty remarkable, and it's an organisation that needs the money right now," said Ric Grenell, a close Trump ally and former ambassador to Germany who now heads the Kennedy centre.
Under his leadership, the centre has sought to add more conservative-leaning programming, including a show that Grenell has described as a celebration of the birth of Christ.
Trump said he particularly enjoyed "Les Miserables," a musical about citizens rising up against their government. "I've seen it many times, it's one of my favourites," he said.
Along with the first lady, Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also attended.
Vance was likewise met with boos when he attended a Kennedy Centre show with his wife earlier this year.
Trump has zeroed in on drag shows to argue that the Kennedy Centre had lost its way before he took office. But multiple upcoming musicals on the Kennedy Centre's agenda include characters dressed in drag, such as "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Chicago."
Other musicals have pulled out, according to a former Kennedy Centre official.
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