WASHINGTON — President Trump, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, arrived at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday night with First Lady Melania, ready to enjoy a performance of "Les Misérables." Reports surfaced that some cast members intended to boycott the opening night due to his attendance, but the president remained unfazed.
“I couldn’t care less, all I do is run the country well,” Trump remarked, standing beside Melania, who dazzled in a sleek black sleeveless gown paired with silver stilettos.
This marked Trump's first visit to the renowned performing arts venue since he assumed the role of chairman in February. At that time, he criticized the center for being in “tremendous disrepair” and pledged to restore it to its former glory.
“We want to bring it back better than ever,” he stated. “As you know, it needs a little help from the standpoint of age and fitness, but it’s going to be fantastic.”
Trump shared that he has seen "Les Mis" multiple times and humorously pondered whether he relates more to Jean Valjean or Inspector Javert. “That’s tough, I think you better answer that, honey,” he said, turning to Melania for her input.
The gala raised an impressive $10 million and attracted notable figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.
Upon taking charge of the Kennedy Center board, Trump dismissed previous members and appointed his own, criticizing the former leadership for allowing drag shows that he claimed were “specifically targeting our youth.”
In a counter-protest, several drag queens attended Wednesday’s performance, receiving mixed reactions from the audience as they took their seats, with videos capturing scattered applause and cheers.
This outing coincides with nationwide anti-ICE protests, particularly intense in Los Angeles, where unrest has persisted for six consecutive days following extensive immigration raids. In response, Trump deployed 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to restore order, attributing the chaos to “radical left lunatics,” whom he alleges are paid “professionals.”
“We are going to have law and order in our country,” Trump asserted. “If I didn’t act quickly on that, Los Angeles would be burning to the ground right now.”
Looking ahead to Saturday's events, Trump described his upcoming military parade—celebrating his 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary—as an “incredible” tribute to the nation.
The $30 million daylong spectacle along the National Mall will showcase hundreds of military vehicles, tanks, and aircraft, with around 6,600 soldiers marching alongside historic instruments of war.
“It will be a parade like we haven’t had in many, many decades,” Trump promised. “And it’s a celebration of our country. It’s a celebration of the Army, actually… We have the greatest weapons in the world and the greatest people in the world. It’s gonna be a big parade.”
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