World

Trump's Triumphant Yet Tumultuous Return to the Kennedy Center

2025-06-12

Author: Emily

In a night filled with drama, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made a headline-grabbing entrance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the opening of the iconic musical Les Misérables.

Dressed to impress, the couple arrived in classic black attire—Trump in a traditional tuxedo and Melania in an elegant long dress. They posed for photos in what was described by The Guardian as an 'eerily deserted Hall of Nations,' setting the stage for a night of mixed emotions.

As they stepped onto the red carpet, Trump participated in brief interviews, notably expressing indifference towards reports of actors boycotting the show. "I couldn’t care less," he declared, further emphasizing his focus on his duties as president.

Upon entering the theater, the audience erupted into a chaotic blend of cheers and boos, the atmosphere electric as chants of 'U.S.A., U.S.A.!' echoed through the venue.

Before settling in to watch the performance, Trump made waves by pumping his fist triumphantly towards the crowd from the balcony, embodying the drama of the night. Les Misérables, a tale of struggle and redemption set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, tells the story of Jean Valjean—a man forever chased by the law after breaking parole for a desperate act of theft.

In a moment of levity, a reporter asked Trump whether he sees himself more as the protagonist, Valjean, or the relentless Inspector Javert. With a chuckle, he turned the question towards Melania, admitting, "Oh, that’s a tough one. I don’t know." This answer came just days after he deployed thousands of troops to Los Angeles to quell immigration protests—a contrast to the themes of mercy and justice depicted in the musical.

The event also brought out prominent political figures, including Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, a newly appointed member of the Kennedy Center board—a part of Trump's reshaping of its leadership.

This attendance wasn’t without controversy; Trump recently branded the L.A. protesters as 'violent insurrectionist mobs,' vowing to restore order and remove those he deemed illegal. As they night unfolded, it was clear: Trump’s presence at the Kennedy Center was as polarizing as his presidency, leaving no shortage of conversation long after the curtain fell.