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A Night Out for Trump at the Theater, With a Pocket of Dissent

The New York Times's profile
Original Story by The New York Times
June 12, 2025
A Night Out for Trump at the Theater, With a Pocket of Dissent

Context:

President Trump attended the opening night of 'Les Misérables' at the Kennedy Center, an event marked by both admiration and dissent. Having appointed himself chairman and replaced the board with allies, Trump's presence at the center was met with some boos and heckles amidst cheers. Drag performers, despite the president's previous denouncement of such shows, made a notable appearance, symbolizing resistance against his policies. The musical's themes of anti-government uprising paralleled recent national protests against Trump's immigration policies, though many attendees failed to see this connection. Despite attempts to create a supportive atmosphere, moments of public dissent were evident, reflecting the polarized views of the president's leadership and decisions.

Dive Deeper:

  • President Trump, having taken over the Kennedy Center and filled its board with loyalists, attended the opening night of 'Les Misérables', a musical he has long admired. The event was meant to be a showcase of his influence but also highlighted opposition to his administration.

  • Drag performers, who Trump had previously banned from the center, attended the performance, drawing applause and symbolizing defiance against his policies. They used their presence to assert that their community could not be erased, despite Trump's stance.

  • The themes of 'Les Misérables', centered around an anti-government uprising, resonated with the current climate, as Trump faced backlash for sending troops to quell protests against his immigration raids. Some attendees noted the parallels between the musical and current events, although many supporters did not.

  • The night was a mix of support and dissent, with some audience members booing and heckling Trump, while his supporters, including cabinet members and allies, filled the venue to show their allegiance.

  • Efforts were made to control the narrative and minimize dissent, including barring news photographers and addressing potential boycotts from actors. Despite this, moments of public opposition surfaced, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding Trump's presidency.

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