Trump to Face Boycott at Kennedy Center Performance in June

Washington, DC – When President Donald Trump attends a performance of “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center on June 11, he is set to encounter a significant absence among the cast. Reports indicate that between 10 to 12 performers plan to boycott the show during Trump’s attendance, highlighting tensions between the arts community and the current administration.

The cast was given the option to not perform on the night of the fundraiser, which will benefit the Kennedy Center. Sources confirm that both principal cast members and ensemble performers will not take the stage that evening.

The decision reflects ongoing friction between Trump and the arts community, particularly following his administration’s efforts to reshape the Kennedy Center’s leadership. After taking office, Trump appointed new board members, effectively dismissing those who were appointed by Democratic presidents, which included the prior administration’s designated leaders.

“We are definitely using the Les Mis opening as an opportunity to shore up the center’s finances,” a source familiar with the situation told CNN. Trump’s attendance on that night serves as a double-edged sword, as the fundraiser coincides with a cast boycott designed to protest against his political influence in cultural institutions.

Richard Grenell, the recently appointed president of the Kennedy Center, stated that he was unaware of any boycott plans and expressed a firm stance against performers opting not to work based on political affiliation. “Any performer who isn’t professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won’t be welcomed,” Grenell said.

This controversy emerges after Trump has openly criticized multiple performances and artists associated with the Kennedy Center, stating, “[We will remove those who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.]” Trump’s comments about the center and his administration’s grip on it have stirred discontent among artists, leading to resignations and cancellations.

High-profile productions such as “Hamilton” have faced backlash and were canceled in light of the shift in leadership. The political ripple effects of Trump’s involvement in arts organizations continue to provoke divisive reactions within the community.

The Kenney Center continues to prepare for the performance, albeit with a revised lineup, as it gears up to stage “Les Misérables” while navigating through a charged political atmosphere.