On the red carpet, a reporter inquired about Trump’s thoughts on the actors’ planned boycott. “I couldn’t care less, all I do is run the country well,” he replied.
This was Trump’s first visit to the Kennedy Center since he appointed himself chairman in February, following the dismissal of several board members. He also appointed Richard Grenell as executive director. At that time, Trump criticized the center’s condition and asserted that previous leadership had promoted drag shows aimed at youth.
“We want to bring it back better than ever,” Trump stated, pledging renovations and a return to traditional programming.
In the wake of these changes, notable figures such as Shonda Rhimes and Ben Folds severed ties with the center. Events for Pride Month and LGBTQ-themed programming, including the children’s musical Finn, were either canceled or relocated, leading to public outcry.
In protest, drag queens interrupted Wednesday’s performance. Videos circulated online captured moments of applause and cheers from segments of the audience.
Trump commended Grenell’s leadership and reflected on his first theater experience, suggesting it was likely Cats. When asked if he identified more with Javert or Jean Valjean from Les Misérables, Trump chuckled and deferred the question to Melania, who chose to remain silent.
