President Trump’s long-anticipated visit to the Kennedy Center finally happened, and it offered a rare glimpse into how the country truly feels about his leadership.
The news cycle has been lightning-quick — even by Trump standards. Before the Elon and Trump squabble could settle, the LA protests and Middle East tensions took over. In each of these situations, Trump’s responses have been questionable at best. But since the early days of his second term, it’s been clear that the president is only interested in surrounding himself with cheerleaders — whether media outlets or politicians. Rarely have we seen how people with no interest in currying his favor react to him in person. That changed on June 11.
Trump, dressed in a tuxedo, made a rare social appearance — and even more unusually, he was joined by First Lady Melania. The occasion was the opening night of Les Misérables. The moment the two stepped into the presidential box, CNN reports there was a mix of jeers, boos, cheers, and chants of “USA! USA!” The tension was reportedly palpable.
Then, from the orchestra section, a woman suddenly started yelling, “Felon! You’re a convicted felon!” projecting her voice directly toward the presidential box. As security moved to remove her, she added, “Convicted felon! Rapist!” The interruptions continued. During the act break, another audience member reportedly shouted, “F**k Trump!” and the crowd responded with laughter and cheers.
It was a real mix — a lot of division. When the President returned from the act break, he was again met with boos, quickly followed by a wave of cheers. In response, he pumped his fist three times at the crowd. CNN hypothesized that this was Trump attempting to rally his supporters by repeating the same gesture he made after being shot at during the campaign trail — a show of defiance, if you will.
For those unfamiliar with Les Misérables, it’s Victor Hugo’s timeless story about Jean Valjean, a man swept up in a revolution while seeking redemption by helping those most in need. The themes are deeply critical of tyrannical, out-of-touch rulers disconnected from the lives of everyday people.
That irony was not lost on Americans. One user posted a photo from the event, captioning it with a quote from satirist Andy Borowitz: “I swear I am not making this up. Tonight Trump will go to the Kennedy Center to see Les Misérables, a play about a mass uprising against a tyrannical king. I hereby retire from satire.”
Andy Borowitz:
“I swear I am not making this up. Tonight Trump will go to the Kennedy Center to see “Les Miserables,” a play about a mass uprising against” a tyrannical king.
I hereby retire from satire.” pic.twitter.com/4XEr5CVCjs— Gloria (@SheDidWhatPGH) June 11, 2025
Another user shared a side-by-side comparison showing how Trump was received versus how former President Biden was welcomed during his own visit to the Kennedy Center’s presidential box. They added, “Face it. Trump isn’t respected. He’s loathed.”
WATCH: In December, President Biden and Dr. Biden got cheers and a standing ovation at the Kennedy Center.
Tonight? Trump and Melania were booed loudly — even after stuffing the place with MAGA cultists.
Face it: Trump isn’t respected. He’s loathed.
The most reviled… pic.twitter.com/1VpZ8GfmaP
— Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) June 12, 2025
Indeed, respect isn’t handed out freely — it’s earned. If Trump wants a non-political night out, that’s perfectly fine. Everyone needs a break from time to time. But he can’t realistically expect to spend years making people’s lives miserable and then simply throw on a tuxedo for Les Misérables without reaction. That’s what the French call ironie.
