Latest news with #DoYouHearthePeopleSing?
Nahar Net
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Nahar Net
Trump booed and cheered at Kennedy Center while attending 'Les Misérables'
by Naharnet Newsdesk 12 June 2025, 16:54 The drama in the audience rivaled the spectacle on stage on Wednesday at the Kennedy Center, where President Donald Trump went to the opening night of "Les Misérables" as he tightens his grip on the venerable performing arts institution. It was his first time attending a show there since his election, and he was booed and cheered as he took his seat alongside first lady Melania Trump. Near the end of the intermission, someone loudly cursed his name, drawing applause. Several drag queens were in the crowd, their presence a protest against Trump's complaints that the Kennedy Center had hosted too many drag shows in the past. Despite the condemnation, the event had a MAGA-does-Broadway feel. Ric Grenell, the Trump-appointed interim leader of the Kennedy Center, was there, as were Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha. Before the show began, Attorney General Pam Bondi chatted with guests and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took selfies. Laura Loomer, the conspiracy theorist who has advised Trump on personnel decisions, posted a video from a seat near the stage. Trump walked the red carpet with the first lady when they arrived at the Kennedy Center, which he's been remaking in his image while excising what he describes as liberal ideology. "We want to bring it back, and we want to bring it back better than ever," Trump said. The Republican president has a particular affection for "Les Misérables," the sprawling musical set in 19th-century France, and has occasionally played its songs at his events. One of them, "Do You Hear the People Sing?," is a revolutionary rallying cry inspired by the 1832 rebellion against the French king. The three-hour production featured singing and dancing, with the sounds of explosions and gunfire filling the theater as protesters and soldiers clashed on stage. For Trump's critics, it was an unnerving echo of what's unfolding in Los Angeles, where Trump has deployed National Guard troops in response to protests over his deportation policies. "Someone explain the plot to him," California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, wrote on social media. Terry Gee, a bartender, bought his ticket for the show in November and didn't mind Trump's presence. It's his sixth time seeing "Les Misérables," and he said, "I'm going to enjoy the show regardless." Hannah Watkins, a nurse, only learned that Trump would be there when the Kennedy Center distributed information about extra security and she searched online to see what was happening. "I've seen a lot of famous people so far, which is exciting," said Watkins, who had claimed a spot near the VIP entrance with her mother. "Honestly, we just like 'Les Mis' and are excited to be here." Before Trump, presidential involvement in the Kennedy Center's affairs had been limited to naming members to the board of trustees and attending the taping of its annual honors program in the fall. But after returning to office in January, Trump stunned the arts world by firing the Kennedy Center's longtime director and board and replacing them with loyalists, who then named him as chairman. Trump promised to overhaul its programming, management and even appearance as part of an effort to put his stamp on the national arts scene. His latest moves have upset some of the center's patrons and performers. In March, the audience booed the Vances after they slipped into upper-level seats to hear the National Symphony Orchestra. Trump appointed Usha Vance to the Kennedy Center board along with Bondi, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Fox News Channel hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham, among other supporters. Sales of subscription packages are said to have declined since Trump's takeover, and several touring productions, including "Hamilton," have canceled planned runs at the center. Actor Issa Rae and musician Rhiannon Giddens scrapped scheduled appearances, and Kennedy Center consultants including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned. Understudies may have performed in some roles Wednesday night because of boycotts by "Les Misérables" cast members, but Trump said he wasn't bothered by anyone skipping the performance. "I couldn't care less," he said. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has adopted a more aggressive posture toward the arts. The White House has taken steps to cancel millions of dollars in previously awarded federal humanities grants to arts and culture groups, and Trump's budget blueprint proposed eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Trump has also targeted Smithsonian museums by signing executive orders to restrict their funding and by attempting to fire the director of the National Portrait Gallery. The president characterized previous programming at the Kennedy Center as "out of control with rampant political propaganda" and said it featured "some very inappropriate shows," including a "Marxist anti-police performance" and "lesbian-only Shakespeare." The Kennedy Center, which is supported by government money and private donations, opened in 1971 and for decades has been seen as an apolitical celebration of the arts. It was first conceived in the late 1950s during the administration of Republican President Dwight Eisenhower, who backed a bill from the Democratic-led Congress calling for a National Culture Center. In the early 1960s, Democratic President John F. Kennedy launched a fundraising initiative, and his successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed into law a 1964 bill renaming the project the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Kennedy had been assassinated the year before.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Donald Trump Greeted With Boos, Cheers, Drag Queen Parade During First Visit to Kennedy Center For ‘Les Misérables' Performance
After appointing himself chair of the Kennedy Center and replacing its board members with loyalists, President Donald Trump's first-ever visit to the revered Washington, D.C. cultural center on Wednesday night (June 11) was likely not the warm welcome he expected. Taking his seat for the opening night of Les Misérables, the Associated Press reported that Trump was met with a mix of cheers and boos, as well as an unexpected parade of drag queens who sashayed past the first couple, seemingly in protest of Trump's previous vow of 'NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.' In addition, a dozen performers — from major cast members to ensemble performers — planned to sit out the show after being given the option not to perform on the night Trump was in the house to enjoy what he has said is one of his favorite musicals. The show about 19th century France features a song Trump has played at his rallies in the past, 'Do You Hear the People Sing?,' a revolutionary anthem inspired by the 1832 rebellion against King Louis-Phillipe of France. More from Billboard DJ Akademiks Denies Taking Payola From Drake During Kendrick Battle Raekwon and Ghostface Killah Release Trailer for 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx' Documentary SEVENTEEN Have a Good Time Being a 'Bad Influence' in Futuristic Video For Pharrell-Produced Single The song's stirring lyrics about rising up against oppressive regimes has often been employed at pro-democracy protests around the globe, and on Wednesday one patron reportedly shouted 'Viva Los Angeles' as Trump left the presidential box for intermission, a seeming reference to the now nearly week-long protests in that city over the administration's immigration raids. In his second term, Trump — who admittedly had never attended a performance at the Kennedy Center in his first term, or ever — has swiftly moved to remake the organization in his own image. After installing himself as chairman of the Center, Trump also placed a number of loyalists on the typically non-partisan board and vowed to remove 'woke' shows from the roster. Subsequently, nearly two dozen events have been canceled or postponed, a number out of protest at Trump's takeover, including Hamilton, the National Youth Poet Laureate Commemoration, Saigon Nights, as well as shows by Peter Wolf, Low Cut Connie, Rhiannon Giddens, Issa Rae and many more. The AP reported that the show that tackles themes of protest, power, injustice and poverty featured the sounds of explosions and gunfire, with civilians clashing with soldiers on stage at the very same time that Los Angeles was put under curfew after protesters battled with police over immigration raids by ICE for a sixth day following Trump's call-up of Marines and National Guard troops to quell the protests. 'Someone explain the plot to him,' California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X. In March, Vice President J.D. Vance and wife Usha were booed when they attended a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra and the AP also noted that sales of subscription packages have reportedly declined since the Trump makeover. CNN also reported that while some cheered and clapped for Trump and First Lady Melania Trump as they stood up at the end of the first act, one woman in the orchestra section below shouted, 'Felon, you're a convicted felon!' to the first U.S. president to take the office after being convicted of a felony. The women then added, 'Convicted felon, rapist!' before a security guard seemed to escort her out; Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation in 2023 in a suit filed by writer E. Jean Carroll and in 2024 was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an attempt to conceal hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. In addition, as the crowd awaited Trump's return to his seat, another person reportedly yelled, 'F–k Trump! to cheers, while a supportive patron responded with 'We love you.' The president seemingly reacted to the comments by pumping his first three times — reminiscent of his response after an assassination attempt last year in Pennsylvania in which a gunman fired at the then-candidate and nicked his ear. Check out the mixed reaction to Trump's Kennedy Center attendance below. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
The Star
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Trump watches 'Les Miserables', tale of revolt and oppression
President Trump and First Lady Melania attend 'Les Miserables' opening night at the Kennedy Center on June 11. Photo: AP It's a tale of revolutionary fervour, featuring street protesters manning the barricades against a repressive leader. And watching from the audience was US President Donald Trump. Trump's appearance at the opening night of the hit musical Les Miserables at the renowned Kennedy Center in Washington on Wednesday night could hardly be more politically charged. The 78-year-old Republican recently orchestrated a conservative takeover of the famed arts venue, reportedly prompting some Les Mis cast members to boycott the show. The performance of the show, set against the backdrop of revolutionary 19th century France, comes as the United States itself faces fresh turbulence in its second-biggest city. "I couldn't care less. Honestly, I couldn't. All I do is run the country well," Trump told reporters when asked about a boycott as he arrived with First Lady Melania Trump. "And we're going to have a safe country, we're not going to have what would have happened in Los Angeles. Remember, if I wasn't there... Los Angeles would have been burning to the ground." Trump, who was joined by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance at the premiere, has recently sent in troops to deal with protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. California officials accuse him of "dictatorial" behaviour and of manufacturing a confrontation by deploying thousands of National Guard troops and US Marines. "I think the irony is probably lost on him," Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media, told AFP. The social injustice portrayed in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel - coupled with songs such as Do You Hear the People Sing? and I Dreamed A Dream - has long resonated with audiences around the world. 'I love the songs' Billionaire Trump, who had announced his decision to attend Les Miserables before the Los Angeles protests erupted, says he too has long been a fan. The real estate tycoon has played songs from the show at his rallies and political events. "I love the songs, I love the play," Trump told Fox News Digital last week. Asked which of the play's characters he most identified with, however, Trump punted to his wife. "That's a tough one... you better answer that one, honey," Trump replied. His attendance is yet another show of strength after installing himself as chairman of the centre and replacing the entire board with loyalists in February. Loge said Trump's presence there was part of a broader effort at image-making by the reality TV star-turned-president. " Les Mis is a great spectacle. And it sounds smart. It's not just a show, it sounds like it stands for something," he said. Trump's takeover of the John F. Kennedy Center faced opposition in some quarters. A historically bipartisan-supported institution, it has never been led by a US president before. Hit show Hamilton cancelled its run there in response. Trump countered by saying he had "never liked" the rap musical, which is about the birth of the United States and its first treasury secretary. Several key figures at the Kennedy Center - including TV producer Shonda Rhimes who created Grey's Anatomy and musician Ben Folds - resigned from their leadership positions. And the Vances - Usha Vance is one of the new board members - were booed by the Kennedy Center audience at a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra in March. Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center comes amid a broader assault on what he deems "woke" programming at cultural institutions, including the famed Smithsonian museums, as well as universities. - AFP
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Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Trump booed, cheered at Kennedy Center while attending 'Les Miserables'
Trump walked the red carpet with the first lady when they arrived at the Kennedy Center, which he's been remaking in his image while excising what he describes as liberal ideology AP Washington The drama in the audience rivalled the spectacle on stage on Wednesday at the Kennedy Center, where President Donald Trump went to the opening night of Les Miserables as he tightens his grip on the venerable performing arts institution. It was his first time attending a show there since his election, and he was booed and cheered as he took his seat alongside first lady Melania Trump. Near the end of the intermission, someone loudly cursed his name, drawing applause. Several drag queens were in the crowd, their presence a protest against Trump's complaints that the Kennedy Center had hosted too many drag shows in the past. Despite the condemnation, the event had a MAGA-does-Broadway feel. Ric Grenell, the Trump-appointed interim leader of the Kennedy Center, was there, as were Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha. Before the show began, Attorney General Pam Bondi chatted with guests and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took selfies. Laura Loomer, the conspiracy theorist who has advised Trump on personnel decisions, posted a video from a seat near the stage. Trump walked the red carpet with the first lady when they arrived at the Kennedy Center, which he's been remaking in his image while excising what he describes as liberal ideology. We want to bring it back, and we want to bring it back better than ever, Trump said. The Republican president has a particular affection for Les Miserables, the sprawling musical set in 19th-century France, and has occasionally played its songs at his events. One of them, Do You Hear the People Sing?, is a revolutionary rallying cry inspired by the 1832 rebellion against the French king. The three-hour production featured singing and dancing, with the sounds of explosions and gunfire filling the theatre as protesters and soldiers clashed on stage. For Trump's critics, it was an unnerving echo of what's unfolding in Los Angeles, where Trump has deployed National Guard troops in response to protests over his deportation policies. Someone explain the plot to him," California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, wrote on social media. Terry Gee, a bartender, bought his ticket for the show in November and didn't mind Trump's presence. It's his sixth time seeing Les Miserables, and he said, I'm going to enjoy the show regardless." Hannah Watkins, a nurse, only learned that Trump would be there when the Kennedy Center distributed information about extra security and she searched online to see what was happening. I've seen a lot of famous people so far, which is exciting, said Watkins, who had claimed a spot near the VIP entrance with her mother. Honestly, we just like Les Mis' and are excited to be here. Before Trump, presidential involvement in the Kennedy Center's affairs had been limited to naming members to the board of trustees and attending the taping of its annual honours programme in the fall. But after returning to office in January, Trump stunned the arts world by firing the Kennedy Center's longtime director and board and replacing them with loyalists, who then named him as chairman. Trump promised to overhaul its programming, management and even appearance as part of an effort to put his stamp on the national arts scene. His latest moves have upset some of the centre's patrons and performers. In March, the audience booed the Vances after they slipped into upper-level seats to hear the National Symphony Orchestra. Trump appointed Usha Vance to the Kennedy Center board along with Bondi, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Fox News Channel hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham, among other supporters. Sales of subscription packages are said to have declined since Trump's takeover, and several touring productions, including Hamilton, have cancelled planned runs at the centre. Actor Issa Rae and musician Rhiannon Giddens scrapped scheduled appearances, and Kennedy Center consultants including musician Ben Folds and singer Renee Fleming resigned. Understudies may have performed in some roles Wednesday night because of boycotts by Les Miserables cast members, but Trump said he wasn't bothered by anyone skipping the performance. I couldn't care less, he said. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has adopted a more aggressive posture toward the arts. The White House has taken steps to cancel millions of dollars in previously awarded federal humanities grants to arts and culture groups, and Trump's budget blueprint proposed eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Trump has also targeted Smithsonian museums by signing executive orders to restrict their funding and by attempting to fire the director of the National Portrait Gallery. The president characterised previous programming at the Kennedy Center as out of control with rampant political propaganda and said it featured some very inappropriate shows, including a Marxist anti-police performance and lesbian-only Shakespeare. The Kennedy Center, which is supported by government money and private donations, opened in 1971 and for decades has been seen as an apolitical celebration of the arts. It was first conceived in the late 1950s during the administration of Republican President Dwight Eisenhower, who backed a bill from the Democratic-led Congress calling for a National Culture Center. In the early 1960s, Democratic President John F. Kennedy launched a fundraising initiative, and his successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed into law a 1964 bill renaming the project the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Kennedy had been assassinated the year before.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Donald Trump booed by theatre as he takes seat for opening night of Les Misérables
Some cast members threatened to pull out of Wednesday night's gig at the John F Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts in Washington DC. Grainy footage has captured the moment theatregoers boo and heckle Donald Trump as he takes his seat in the Presidential box for the opening night of Les Misérables. Some cast members threatened to pull out of Wednesday night's gig at the John F Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts in Washington DC because they were aware the President was due to attend. Trump enraged performers and patrons at the venue when he announced huge changes to its programming earlier this year - having controversially been elected chairman, The Mirror reports. Controversial plans included a cut on what he called "woke" productions, such as drag acts. Mr Trump and wife Melania felt the fury of the crowd as they took their seats ahead of Les Mis. It was his first time at the venue, the national cultural centre of the US, since becoming President again - and since the massive overhaul of its output. Some punters voted with their feet with empty seats spotted in the balconies and even in the orchestra section, amidst talk that patrons intended to boycott the performance. It is understood understudies filled in for main performers, who also had decided to boycott the night due to Mr Trump's presence. The Mirror is working to confirm if this was the case - and how many cast members dropped out. Sales of subscription packages are said to have declined since Mr Trump's takeover, and several touring productions, including Hamilton, have cancelled planned runs at the centre. Actor Issa Rae and musician Rhiannon Giddens scrapped scheduled appearances, and Kennedy Center consultants, including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming, resigned. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Yet, Mr Trump remained proud as, clad in a tuxedo, he sat for the performance on Wednesday. The politician has a particular affection for Les Misérables, the sprawling musical set in 19th-century France, and has occasionally played its songs at his events. One of them, Do You Hear the People Sing?, is a revolutionary rallying cry inspired by the 1832 rebellion against the French king. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, were also there. Ric Grenell, the Trump-appointed interim leader of the Kennedy Center, stood nearby as the President spoke to reporters. Attorney General Pam Bondi chatted with other guests. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr took selfies with attendees. But the MAGA takeover was met with heckles in the auditorium itself. People on X also shared the irony Mr Trump chose to see a performance about a mass uprising against a tyrannical king. Images on X show audience members dressed in drag, a nid to Mr Trump's criticism the venue put on drag shows before his takeover. However, some reports suggest a minority in the audience cheered the President's arrival. When reporters told Mr Trump it was expected some cast members had pulled out due to his presence, the nonchalant world leader said:"I couldn't care less."
