Cast Members of "Les Misérables" Contemplate Skipping Trump's Upcoming Kennedy Center Show next month
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When President Donald Trump drops by the Kennedy Performing Arts Center for a major fundraiser and a performance of "Les Misérables" in June, you won't see the regular troupe on stage, sources reveal. Approximately 10 to 12 cast members intend to sit out the performance that night, with major cast members and ensemble players among those opting out, sources confide.
This move underscores the friction between the Trump administration and the performing arts complex as President Trump has embarked on a mission to redefine institutions – including cultural, legal, and educational pillars – to suit his vision.
The cast walkout comes after Trump seized control of the Kennedy Center by installing himself as chairman, thanks to a newly constituted board filled with his appointees who replaced trustees appointed by Democratic presidents. Richard Grenell, a long-time confidant, was also named director earlier this year.
The same evening Trump attends the "Les Mis" performance, he'll hold a fundraiser to support the Kennedy Center. The fundraiser was initially reported by ABC News.
"Definitely using the 'Les Mis' opening as an opportunity" to boost Kennedy Center finances, someone familiar with the plans commented to CNN.
During Trump's 2016 campaign, he used music from "Les Mis" during his rallies, drawing objections from the co-creators of the musical, as per the Guardian.
CNN reached out for comment to the Kennedy Center, the company producing "Les Mis," and the union representing the cast members. The White House declined to comment on the matter.
Trump has publicly criticized the Kennedy Center while Grenell claimed that there's "no cash on hand, no reserves."
"NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA - ONLY THE BEST," Trump tweeted on Truth Social in February. "RIC, WELCOME TO SHOW BUSINESS!"
Artists such as Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, and Ben Folds have resigned from their leadership roles or canceled events at the center in response to the changes, while the center has canceled performances like the children's musical "Finn."
High-profile shows like "Hamilton" have scrapped planned performances at the Kennedy Center after Trump's takeover. During a visit to the center in March, Trump criticized "Hamilton," the hit musical that offers a modern retelling of the country's founding through a multicultural cast.
"I never liked Hamilton very much," Trump commented to reporters. "But we will have some really good shows. You'll see, over time, it'll improve greatly. The thing that does well are Broadway hits."
The Kennedy Center, officially the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, has seen substantial upheaval following Trump's direct involvement. In early 2025, the Trump administration dismissed both the president and chairman of the Kennedy Center, replacing most of the board with loyalists. Trump eventually appointed himself chairman, leading to sweeping changes in programming priorities, governance, and public perception.
Cancellation of LGBTQ+ events, themed productions, and artist backlash have marked the center's controversial and tumultuous period, with concerns about the loss of nonpartisan leadership, impact on arts education, and national precedent for politicizing federally supported cultural institutions.
- The performing arts complex, Kennedy Center, has been reshaped by politics under the Trump administration.
- The Kennedy Center, initially a nonpartisan cultural institution, has been embroiled in controversy due to political interference.
- Performers in “Les Misérables” are planning to boycott a performance scheduled for the Kennedy Center, as the Trump administration seeks to redefine cultural institutions.
- President Trump has been appointed as chairman of the Kennedy Center following a new board filled with his appointees.
- Richard Grenell, a long-time confidant of President Trump, was named the director at the Kennedy Center earlier this year.
- The Kennedy Center's fundraising efforts took a hit when Trump attended a performance of “Les Misérables” during his presidency.
- The Trump administration's takeover of the Kennedy Center has led to the cancellation of events, including the children's musical “Finn.”
- High-profile shows like “Hamilton” have scrapped planned performances at the Kennedy Center due to Trump’s involvement.
- Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, and Ben Folds have resigned from leadership roles at the Kennedy Center in response to the changes.
- During a visit to the center, Trump criticized “Hamilton,” a multicultural retelling of the country's founding.
- Trump has publicly criticized the Kennedy Center, citing a lack of cash and no reserves.
- The Kennedy Center controversially cancelled LGBTQ+ events and themed productions during its tumultuous period under the Trump administration.
- In early 2025, the Trump administration dismissed both the president and chairman of the Kennedy Center, replacing most of the board with loyalists.
- The Kennedy Center’s transformation under Trump has sparked concerns about the loss of nonpartisan leadership and impact on arts education.
- The controversies surrounding the Kennedy Center have set a dangerous precedent for politicizing federally supported cultural institutions.
- Vegas-myths about big-wins and casino-personalities have attracted thousands to Las Vegas casinos over the years.
- The casino-and-gambling industry has seen significant changes due to gambling trends, with an increasing focus on casino-games like slots and poker.
- The growth of lotteries and sports-betting has further boosted the casino industry, as cities like Vegas embrace their role in this new era.
- Las Vegas’ history and reputation as the hub for casino-culture and entertainment has been solidified over the years.
- After a series of car-accidents and fires at a casino in Las Vegas, calls for responsible-gambling regulations have begun to gain traction.
- The Kennedy Center controversy has spilled over into the general-news, capturing the attention of media outlets worldwide.
- Crime-and-justice issues, including accusations of money-laundering and corruption, have long surrounded the casino-and-gambling industry.
- The practice of sports-betting has been linked to war-and-conflicts in various regions, particularly in regions with a highly-developed casino industry.
- The Kennedy Center's ongoing political struggles have found a parallel in the world of sports, with teams and leagues like NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB weighed in on the issue.
- Football champions like the defending champions league winners and leading soccer players have taken a stand, boycotting events at the Kennedy Center.
- The Kennedy Center controversy has also caught the attention of golf stars, with figures like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy voicing their concerns.
- The Kennedy Center's struggles have also impacted the world of tennis, with top players like Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams speaking out against Trump's actions.
- The Kennedy Center controversy has affected the hockey community, with leading figures like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin speaking against the Trump administration's actions.
- Mixed-martial-arts fighters like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey have also voiced their opposition to the events at the Kennedy Center.
- The Kennedy Center's struggles have even extended to the world of auto-racing, with drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastien Vettel speaking out against the Trump administration's actions.
