Les Misérables tour actors plan to boycott a Kennedy Center performance due to Trump’s involvement, sparking controversy and tension.
Tensions rise as most Les Misérables cast plan June 11 boycott at Kennedy Center.
The performance coincides with a planned appearance by former President Donald Trump.
Les Misérables tour actors refuse to perform for Trump at Kennedy Center
Out of the 12 actors currently touring with the production, 10 have reportedly chosen not to perform on the night of Trump’s visit.
According to reports from CNN, both leading and ensemble members were given the choice to opt out, and many exercised that option.
Cast’s decision reflects concerns over leadership changes and political influence at Kennedy Center.
Trump reshapes Kennedy Center leadership structure
Trump has recently appointed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center and made sweeping changes to its leadership.
These changes included replacing long-standing trustees with new appointees.
Among them is former diplomat and Trump ally Richard Grenell, who now serves as director.
The board reshuffle has raised fears that the Kennedy Center’s nonpartisan arts tradition is being undermined.
Grenell responds with sharp criticism of artists
In response to the reported boycott, Grenell told CNN that he was unaware of any such plans but issued a strong rebuke.
“Any performer who isn’t professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won’t be welcomed.”
Calling the boycotting actors “vapid and intolerant,” Grenell emphasized that the Kennedy Center would no longer support what he labeled as “intolerance” in the arts.
“The Kennedy Center wants to be a place where people of all political stripes sit next to each other and never ask who someone voted for but instead enjoys a performance together,” Grenell continued.
Trump uses the center to push a conservative cultural agenda
Trump has not hidden his intent to shift the Kennedy Center’s cultural direction.
In February, he declared on his Truth Social account that the Center would stop hosting drag shows and other events he viewed as anti-American.
“NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST.”
He promised a slate of more “patriotic” programming, signaling a clear departure from the institution’s traditionally inclusive stance.
His comments have drawn mixed reactions from the public and the broader arts community.
Kennedy Center stresses commitment to bipartisanship
Shortly after Trump’s controversial remarks, the Kennedy Center issued a public statement reaffirming its commitment to bipartisan cooperation.
“Throughout our history, the Kennedy Center has enjoyed strong support from members of congress and their staffs — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.”
“Since our doors opened in1971, we have had a collaborative relationship with every presidential administration,” the statement continued.
“Since that time, the Kennedy Center has had a bi-partisan board of trustees that has supported the arts in a non-partisan fashion.”
Performance night coincides with a major fundraiser
The June 11 show will entertain and host a high-profile fundraiser organized by Trump.
According to ABC News, the former president aims to use the event to boost the Center’s finances.
While financial objectives remain a top priority, the controversy surrounding the cast boycott has cast a shadow over the evening.
Since Trump’s involvement, several performances have been removed from the schedule, including a production of Hamilton.
Trump openly criticized the hit musical during a March visit to the Center, suggesting that new programming would align more closely with traditional values.
“I never liked Hamilton very much. But we are going to have some really good shows,” Trump added.
“I would say this, come here and watch it, and you’ll see, over a period of time, it’ll improve very greatly physically. And we’re going to get some very good shows. The thing that does well are Broadway hits.”
Despite promises of high-quality entertainment, many artists and audiences are wary.
They argue that political interference risks turning the Kennedy Center into a partisan institution, rather than a national symbol of artistic achievement and freedom.