NEWSDonald Trump's Fundraiser Flops: Chaos and Controversy Mark 'Les Mis' Night at the Kennedy Center
The pair were booed.
June 28 2025, Published 8:05 a.m. ET
In an unexpected turn of events, the Kennedy Center's recent showing of Les Misérables turned into a spectacle of chaos, dissent and sartorial confusion, as a blend of high-profile Trump donors and a diverse crowd of less formally dressed attendees created a surprising atmosphere.
The event attracted attention not just for its purpose as a fundraiser but for the drama that unfolded within the hallowed halls of one of America's premier cultural institutions.
President Donald Trump and Melania was booed at the Kennedy Center.
As reported by numerous attendees, the arrival of former President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, accompanied by a notable group of supporters, marked the beginning of a rather tumultuous evening.
However, prior to their entrance, the environment had already begun to shift as drag queens made their presence felt in vibrant attire, capturing the attention of onlookers and setting the stage for what would become an unprecedented event.
With videos and photographs circulating online, the juxtaposition of flamboyant dressers and more traditional patrons was apparent from the onset.
Early attendees reported that the atmosphere became even more contentious when ticket holders who had purchased their entries prior to the announcement of Trump's fundraising event filled the theater.
Dressed in jeans and even sporting anti-Trump T-shirts, many felt out of place among the formally dressed patrons who had paid extravagant fees to attend.
As one eyewitness noted, "When the lights went down, roughly 100 people were ushered down from the balcony to the empty seats in the orchestra. They made a lot of noise because the show had already started."
Drag queens stole the attention at the Kennedy Center with their vibrant attire.
Details surrounding the provision of tickets were murky — while some sources claimed that these attendees had received free tickets, others alleged that they were handed out to fill the auditorium.
The scene of casual dress next to high-end attire prompted mixed reactions from both supporters and/detractors of the former president.
One attendee remarked, "When you can't change your Kennedy Center tickets cause Trump turned it into a fundraiser for his fascist friends, you make a statement out of it."
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As the night progressed, tensions escalated with audible boos and jeers following Trump's entrance. Videos captured the disgraced former leader facing vocal disapproval as he took in the performance, underscoring the mixed sentiments present within the auditorium.
In the audience were noted political figures, including Ted Cruz and Jim Jordan.
Observers noted that Jordan "has likely never seen a Broadway musical," further adding to the evening's curiosity.
In a twist of fate, the production of Les Mis itself faced its own challenges.
Reports indicated that numerous members of the core cast took an official day off, resulting in understudies performing without mention in the playbill.
The lack of acknowledgment led to questions regarding the overall commitment of the production amidst the high-profile event.
Donald and Melania Trump attended 'Les Misérables' at the Kennedy Center.
Social media erupted following the event, with hashtags trending as attendees and Twitter users alike shared their experiences.
One user noted, "Donald Trump getting booed at the Kennedy Center made my night."
Such sentiments encapsulated the night's mood, intertwining both the performance and the political climate that inspired it.
The Kennedy Center has long been a stage for high-profile cultural moments.
