Adding to the cultural spectacle, a group of drag performers were seated in donated tickets from Trump-critical audience members. Their presence drew attention given Trump’s past vows to remove what he called “woke” programming from the Kennedy Center.
People dressed in drag at the performance of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center, a nod to criticism by @realDonaldTrump that the center put on drag shows before he took over. pic.twitter.com/tPaGBnyGTk
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) June 12, 2025
Art Meets Politics: An Ironic Choice of Show
The timing raised eyebrows. Les Misérables, a story centered on resistance, rebellion, and state power, coincided with a week when federal forces were deployed to quell protests in Los Angeles. Critics and commentators immediately pounced on the contrast, calling it “unavoidably ironic.”
🚨 NEW: In an absolutely embarrassing moment, Donald Trump was just booed mercilessly at the Kennedy Center.
— Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) June 12, 2025
Gotta love it. 👋👏 pic.twitter.com/YW3XE2tRAK
A Fundraising Flex Amid a Kennedy Center Shake-Up
Trump also used his appearance to highlight what he described as a major fundraising win, claiming the night pulled in more than $10 million.
This comes after his earlier effort to overhaul the Kennedy Center’s leadership with a more conservative direction—changes some critics say contributed to drops in bookings and subscriptions. Kennedy Center officials disputed claims about declines, stating their renewal schedule had shifted and new packages were still rolling out.
The Viral Moment: A Single Photo, Endless Memes
Politics aside, social media locked onto one image above all: a photo of Trump and Melania leaving the theater, in which his hand appeared to clasp only her thumb. Within minutes, memes exploded across platforms, joining a long online history of dissected Trump–Melania interactions.
Whether seen as awkward, tender, or just oddly timed, the micro-moment fueled a fresh wave of discourse long after the curtain fell.
The Big Picture
The night became a cultural Rorschach test. Supporters viewed the event as Trump reclaiming a major arts institution and raising millions. Critics saw symbolic tension—a revolutionary musical staged during weeks of nationwide unrest.
But one thing is certain: the evening delivered exactly what live theater is known for—immediate reaction, strong emotion, and plenty to talk about long after the stage goes dark.
✨ What did you think of the Kennedy Center buzz—overblown drama or cultural moment of the year? Share your take in the comments!