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Fox News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
A Big, Beautiful weekend on the Hill: 'Everybody having fun yet?'
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., was ebullient Tuesday afternoon. The South Dakota Republican just concluded a lengthy lunch meeting with fellow GOPers and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the Big, Beautiful Bill. "Good afternoon. Everybody having fun yet?" Thune asked the Congressional press corps as he approached the microphone in the Ohio Clock Corridor of the Capitol for his weekly exchange with reporters. "Ask us around 3:45 Sunday morning," suggested yours truly. If you are an insomniac… Or don't want to see the National Symphony Orchestra Pops perform Dolly Parton's musical canon at the Kennedy Center… Or you don't have tickets to see the Savannah Bananas play at Nats Park this weekend… The U.S. Senate may be the place for you. Action on the Big, Beautiful Bill could happen at any time of the day or night this weekend. The Senate is attempting to pass the Big, Beautiful Bill sometime on Saturday or Sunday. Maybe even early Monday. Presuming Senate Republicans can pass the bill. "If the bill is going to pass, do you expect that you at least have two or three members on your side who would vote no?" I asked Thune. "Could be," replied Thune. "Why?" I countered. "Well, we've got a lot of very independent thinking senators who have reasons and things that they'd like to have in this bill that would, in their view, make it stronger," answered Thune. "Hopefully when push comes to shove and everybody has to say yes or no, we'll get the number of votes that we need." There's more political pushing and shoving in the U.S. Senate than there is in a line of fourth graders waiting for the water fountain after recess. And senators may advance beyond pushing and shoving to actual fighting as Republicans grouse about the bill's contents. It's about the math. Senate Republicans can still lose three votes and pass the bill with a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Vance. Fox was told that the bill was in trouble if there are ten potential noes now. But if the universe of prospective nays is only five, they can probably whittle that down enough to pass the bill. Here are the GOP senators worth keeping an eye on because of possible problems they could have with particular provisions in the legislation: Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., Rick Scott, R-Fla., Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Mike Lee, R-Utah, John Kennedy, R-La., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Susan Collins, R-Maine, John Curtis, R-Utah and Jim Justice, R-W.V. That's 11. And many of those on the list could vote yes. They may hold out until the end to either score a provision in the bill they want. Or, they want to understand the final product. "We don't know what's in the bill. The parliamentarian has thrown out some provisions," said Kennedy. "Look, I'm labor. I'm not management. But I got one vote, the same as management does. And I'm willing to work nights. I'm willing to work weekends. But what I'm not willing to do is have someone pat me on the head and say 'shut up and just vote for it.'" Kennedy said he unearthed "a few things in this bill that we weren't told about. And I'm not happy." With hat tips to boxing analysts Al Bernstein and Larry Merchant, Thune reverted to discussing the physicality of senators. "When push comes to shove, you're looking at whether or not you're going to allow the perfect to become the enemy," said Thune. "You have to recognize that this is a process whereby everybody doesn't get everything they want." One of the most outstanding issues remains SALT, the deduction for state and local taxes in high-tax states. "We'll have a solution on that in 24 to 48 hours," said Bessent after his huddle with GOP senators. "I know that there are a lot of conservatives who don't like it," said White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on Fox Business. "A lot of very important people in the House, who want it as big as it can be. And, Secretary Bessent is in there working with people to find exactly the right number that'll land the bill." So when does the Senate finish? "The question of when will the Senate get it done, that's a great question," said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo. "They've had it for over six weeks. I'm waiting." The Senate will likely take a procedural vote to formally get on the bill on Friday. If the Senate votes to get on the bill, 20 hours of clock time starts to run under special Senate budget rules. The procedural vote only needs a simple majority. The 20 hours of time is split. Democrats will probably burn all 10 of their hours. Republicans will use a few of their hours. So, the Senate probably begins its "vote-a-rama" on the bill late in the wee hours of Saturday morning. A "vote-a-rama" is where the Senate takes hours and hours of consecutive roll call votes on amendments to the package. It would culminate with passage of the Big, Beautiful Bill in the Senate late Saturday or early Sunday. Note that it is impossible to game out when this could happen. But frankly, a final vote could come at any time of the day or night all weekend long – if not early Monday. Also, this scenario presumes everything goes swimmingly. The most recent vote-a-rama ran just under ten hours earlier this year. A 2021 vote-a-rama consumed 14 hours and 48 minutes, with the Senate considering a total of 40 amendments. We believe this vote-a-rama might be on the longer end. Here's the other wild card: How fast can the House pivot to pass the bill and align with the Senate? House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., signaled the House may aim to vote on Tuesday. Also, the "72-hour rule" to allow the House to read the bill before voting does not apply. The Senate is sending back to the House an "amendment" to the original House plan. Thus, the "72-hour rule" is not in play under these circumstances. However, the question is if Johnson faces pressure to let the bill marinate for a few days. But some House conservatives aren't happy with the Senate measure. "We're not going to get jammed on this. We're just not," said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, believes the Senate should just accept the House measure – since the House could barely pass its version in May. "We did the hard work of threading a very tight needle with this legislation. So it does not need to come back looking too much different from what we ended up passing out of the House," said Pfluger. So the question is whether the Senate can pass its bill. And if the House can accept whatever the Senate passes. So, as I said, if you don't have a lot to do this weekend, Capitol Hill may be the spot to be. Especially at 3:45 Sunday morning.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trump and FLOTUS booed and cheered at the Kennedy Center while attending 'Les Misérables'
President Donald Trump was both cheered and booed June 11 as he attended a performance of "Les Misérables" at the Kennedy Center, the performing arts facility he has subjected to a conservative takeover. The mixed reception for Trump and his wife Melania as they arrived in the presidential box reflected the heightened emotions that have been unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural center. This was his first time attending a show at the famed location, where he installed himself as chairman in February after firing many members of the board. Trump told reporters on the red carpet that the evening, which doubled as fundraiser for the Kennedy Center, had raised over $10 million. Donors could pay up to $2 million to attend the opening night, which includes a reception, premier seating, and a photo with Trump. Of his plans for renovating the space, which first opened in 1971, Trump said: 'We want to bring it back better than ever. As you know it needs a little help from the standpoint of age and fitness, but it's going to be fantastic.' In March, Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha were booed at by the audience during a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra at the iconic arts venue. Richard Grenell, Trump's envoy for special missions, is the Kennedy Center's new president. The evening show is a rare public appearance for the Trumps in Washington's night life. The president didn't attend any Kennedy Center shows during his first term but has showed keen interest in the venue since winning back the White House. Trump's second term has featured efforts to exert more control over high-profile institutions, from Harvard University to the Smithsonian. The president has complained about "woke" programming and "drag shows" at the Kennedy Center. Fallout from Trump's moves at the center have attracted a blitz of reactions and media attention. The musical "Hamilton" canceled plans to appear there, staff left and sales of subscriptions and individual tickets for Kennedy Center shows have dropped, two people briefed on the data told Reuters. Overall year-on-year subscription revenue was down 36% to $2.8 million as of early June for next season, which begins in the autumn, Reuters reported. Theater subscriptions, normally a major revenue driver for the center, were down 82%. A Kennedy Center official told Reuters the comparisons reflected in those subscription sales were not accurate because the center had launched its subscription renewal campaign later in 2025 than 2024. "Our renewal campaign is just kicking off," said Kim Cooper, senior vice president of marketing, in a statement. Cooper also noted the center had launched a new subscription option that allowed customers to "mix and match" genres and said more announcements of shows were coming. The Kennedy Center depends on revenue from tickets and subscriptions, as well as donations. "President Trump cares deeply about American arts and culture, which is why he is revitalizing historic institutions like the Kennedy Center to their former greatness," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement. Trump's appearance at "Les Miserables", a show about citizens rising up against their government, comes just days after he sent U.S. Marines and the National Guard to quell protests against his administration's immigration raids in Los Angeles. Contributing: Reuters, Joey Garrison This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump and Melania booed, cheered at revamped Kennedy Center
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Trump and FLOTUS booed and cheered at the Kennedy Center while attending 'Les Misérables'
Trump and FLOTUS booed and cheered at the Kennedy Center while attending 'Les Misérables' Trump's visit to the Kennedy Center with his wife, the vice president and the second lady was his first time attending a show at the iconic arts venue. Show Caption Hide Caption Trump pledges Kennedy Center overhaul, says it's in disrepair After JD Vance was booed at a concert, Trump toured the Kennedy Center, saying it is in 'disrepair' and promising to overhaul the cultural center. JD Vance was booed during a March visit to the Kennedy Center. A production of 'Hamilton' canceled its run at the center after Trump fired board members and appointed himself chairman. The president, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President Vance, and second lady Usha Vance will see a production of "Les Miserables." President Donald Trump was both cheered and booed June 11 as he attended a performance of "Les Misérables" at the Kennedy Center, the performing arts facility he has subjected to a conservative takeover. The mixed reception for Trump and his wife Melania as they arrived in the presidential box reflected the heightened emotions that have been unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural center. This was his first time attending a show at the famed location, where he installed himself as chairman in February after firing many members of the board. Trump told reporters on the red carpet that the evening, which doubled as fundraiser for the Kennedy Center, had raised over $10 million. Donors could pay up to $2 million to attend the opening night, which includes a reception, premier seating, and a photo with Trump. Of his plans for renovating the space, which first opened in 1971, Trump said: 'We want to bring it back better than ever. As you know it needs a little help from the standpoint of age and fitness, but it's going to be fantastic.' In March, Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha were booed at by the audience during a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra at the iconic arts venue. Richard Grenell, Trump's envoy for special missions, is the Kennedy Center's new president. The evening show is a rare public appearance for the Trumps in Washington's night life. The president didn't attend any Kennedy Center shows during his first term but has showed keen interest in the venue since winning back the White House. Trump's second term has featured efforts to exert more control over high-profile institutions, from Harvard University to the Smithsonian. The president has complained about "woke" programming and "drag shows" at the Kennedy Center. Fallout from Trump's moves at the center have attracted a blitz of reactions and media attention. The musical "Hamilton" canceled plans to appear there, staff left and sales of subscriptions and individual tickets for Kennedy Center shows have dropped, two people briefed on the data told Reuters. Overall year-on-year subscription revenue was down 36% to $2.8 million as of early June for next season, which begins in the autumn, Reuters reported. Theater subscriptions, normally a major revenue driver for the center, were down 82%. A Kennedy Center official told Reuters the comparisons reflected in those subscription sales were not accurate because the center had launched its subscription renewal campaign later in 2025 than 2024. "Our renewal campaign is just kicking off," said Kim Cooper, senior vice president of marketing, in a statement. Cooper also noted the center had launched a new subscription option that allowed customers to "mix and match" genres and said more announcements of shows were coming. The Kennedy Center depends on revenue from tickets and subscriptions, as well as donations. "President Trump cares deeply about American arts and culture, which is why he is revitalizing historic institutions like the Kennedy Center to their former greatness," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement. Trump's appearance at "Les Miserables", a show about citizens rising up against their government, comes just days after he sent U.S. Marines and the National Guard to quell protests against his administration's immigration raids in Los Angeles. Contributing: Reuters, Joey Garrison
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Embarrassing moment': Trump and Melania booed at Kennedy Center
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were booed as they attended the opening performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday night. Video footage from the event shows the couple entering the venue and waving to the audience, who respond with a chorus of boos as they make their way to their seats. The video soon went viral on social media, sparking reactions. One person commented on X: 'It's hard for maga brains to understand this but..... A lot of people hate trump.' Another wrote, 'Trump just got BOOED after arriving at the Kennedy Center for a performance of Les Misérables. There were some cheers, which is expected because he and his buddies have taken over the Kennedy Center and installed their own.' A third person wrote, 'I guess Trump didn't realize that any place where art and culture is highlighted wouldn't have a Maga audience. Also in attendance were Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance. The Vances were reportedly booed earlier this year during a separate appearance at the Kennedy Center to watch the National Symphony Orchestra. CNN reported last month that several cast members of Les Misérables chose not to perform on the night of Trump's visit. According to sources, the cast was informed they could opt out. Both ensemble members and lead actors declined to perform as a form of protest after Trump appointed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center. The administration also replaced much of the existing board with conservative allies and named Richard Grenell, former acting Director of National Intelligence under Trump, as the Kennedy Center's president and interim director. In response to the cast's protest, Grenell issued a statement, saying, "The Kennedy Center will no longer fund intolerance. Any performer who isn't professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won't be welcomed.' 'In fact, we think it would be important to out those vapid and intolerant artists to ensure producers know who they shouldn't hire – and that the public knows which shows have political litmus tests to sit in the audience," he continued. '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.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Donald and Melania Trump Booed at Their First Kennedy Center Show on Opening Night of 'Les Misérables'
Donald and Melania Trump were booed while attending their first show at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, June 11. The first couple have long planned on attending the opening night performance of Les Misérables, which is one of the president's favorite musicals. Several lead actors announced well in advance that they would be protesting the performance by refusing to take the stage — a reaction to Trump installing himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center in February and purging the "woke" members of the Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump received a mix of boos and applause at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, June 11, as they attended the opening performance of the musical Les Misérables. The president and first lady were met with mixed reactions while walking out, as can be seen in videos posted to X. Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, were also in attendance at the performance. The Vances were previously booed by a crowd in the same venue in March when they tried sitting in the Kennedy Center balcony to watch the National Symphony Orchestra. Wednesday's Les Mis performance was always expected to feature a slightly different cast than most Kennedy Center attendees will see during the show's month-long run. On May 7, CNN reported that at least 10 of the 12 actors in the musical were not planning to perform on the night the Trumps attended. According to sources who spoke to the outlet, the cast was given the option to not perform, and several ensemble members and starring cast members opted out. The protest came after the president, just a few days into his second presidential term, installed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center and purged most of its so-called "woke" leadership, installing a new board of conservative supporters in their place. He also appointed Richard Grenell, a member of his administration, as the Center's president and interim director. In a statement at the time the protest was announced, Grenell said, 'The Kennedy Center will no longer fund intolerance. Any performer who isn't professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won't be welcomed.' 'In fact, we think it would be important to out those vapid and intolerant artists to ensure producers know who they shouldn't hire – and that the public knows which shows have political litmus tests to sit in the audience," he continued. "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." President Trump has proven himself to be a Les Mis fan in the past. In February, the U.S. Army Chorus performed the musical's protest anthem, "Do You Hear the People Sing?," at the 2025 White House Governors Ball. He also incorporated the song into his 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns, with The Guardian reporting in 2022 that the politician "bizarrely" blasted the song ahead of announcing his 2024 candidacy. Many see the president's admiration for the song as an odd choice, given that the lyrics are sung from the point of view of French revolutionaries standing up against a powerful and corrupt ruling class. The lyrics include, "Do you hear the people sing? / Singing the song of angry men?/ It is the music of the people / Who will not be slaves again!" Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. After Trump used the song in 2016, producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh and the co-creators of Les Mis released a joint statement to express their disapproval that he was using the musical to bolster his political agenda. "The authors of Les Misérables were not asked for permission and did not authorise or endorse usage of 'Do You Hear the People Sing?' at last [week's] Trump rally in Miami, and have never done so for any of the songs from the musical for this or any other political event,' they wrote, per The Guardian. Mackintosh's statement continued, "As the musical's popularity and universal message have been part of international popular culture for more than 30 years now, countless political and social movements around the world, including the first Bill Clinton and Obama campaigns, have independently embraced songs from the musical as a rallying cry for their own cause." Read the original article on People
