Trump and Melania photo sparks social media stir
President Donald Trump’s attendance at “Les Misérables” on June 11 was met with a deeply divided response, reflecting the nation’s political climate. As he and First Lady Melania Trump entered the Kennedy Center, the theater echoed with a mix of boos and supportive chants.
The polarized atmosphere intensified during intermission. The crowd exchanged shouts and competing chants of “U.S.A.,” to which Trump responded with a characteristic raised fist. Media reports described the scene as a loud blend of cheers and jeers.
The event’s context added layers of controversy. Some cast members reportedly chose not to perform for the president. Furthermore, drag performers occupied seats donated by critical ticket-holders, directly countering Trump’s pledge to remove “woke” programming from the venue.
The choice of show was noted for its irony. The musical, which centers on rebellion against state power, was attended the same week the administration deployed federal forces to protests in Los Angeles, a juxtaposition critics called “wildly ironic.”
Trump also used the evening to highlight a financial and institutional victory. He announced the event had raised over $10 million, following his conservative overhaul of the Center’s leadership—a move that had previously drawn criticism for impacting subscriptions.
A minor personal moment also captured public attention. A photo of the couple leaving, showing Trump holding Melania’s thumb, quickly went viral, fueling the endless online speculation that often surrounds their public appearances.
Ultimately, the night served as a Rorschach test. Supporters saw a president supporting the arts and raising funds, while critics perceived a stark contradiction between the musical’s themes and the administration’s actions, proving the event’s impact extended far beyond the stage.
