On June 11, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center—his first visit since reshaping the institution’s leadership and programming. The crowd’s response mirrored the musical’s themes of unrest and authority: a blend of loud cheers, boos, and chants as the couple appeared in the presidential box. At intermission, tensions rose, with shouts and chants echoing through the theater as Trump acknowledged supporters with his signature fist pump. Ahead of the performance, reports emerged that some cast members chose to sit out rather than perform for the president—an option production leaders allowed.

The night also drew attention for seats donated to drag performers, a symbolic counter to Trump’s pledge to eliminate what he called “woke” programming from the Center. The timing added fuel to commentary. As Les Mis—a story of rebellion against state power—played onstage, the administration faced scrutiny for deploying federal forces to quell protests in Los Angeles.

Critics labeled the juxtaposition “ironic,” while supporters celebrated Trump’s attendance as reclaiming cultural ground. Trump said the evening raised over $10 million and promised a “strong future” for the institution following leadership changes he backed earlier in the year. Kennedy Center officials countered concerns about attendance shifts, citing a revised subscription timeline.

After the show, a brief moment went viral: Trump appeared to hold only Melania’s thumb as they exited, renewing online fascination with the couple’s gestures. The night ultimately became a cultural flashpoint, interpreted through sharply divided political lenses.