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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will make a notable appearance in Washington’s cultural scene next week by attending the opening night of the musical Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center. The performance, which runs from June 11 through July 13, marks a rare public outing for the first couple.
The White House confirmed their attendance alongside Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance, who will also join the opening night audience. However, behind the scenes, several cast members of Les Misérables reportedly plan to sit out the show that evening, according to reports from CNN and The Washington Post.
President Trump, a fan of the musical, expressed enthusiasm about the event during a Fox News interview. “I love the songs, I love the play. I think it’s great ‒ we may extend it.” The show, set in early 19th-century France, follows the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking redemption.
Trump has been known to have the stirring anthem “Do you hear the people sing?” playing at his campaign rallies, a song resonant with themes of uprising and justice.
Vice President Vance’s attendance comes on the heels of a chilly reception at the Kennedy Center in March, when he was booed by the audience during a National Symphony Orchestra concert, highlighting tensions within the arts community following Trump’s leadership changes.
High-profile performers like Issa Rae and the cast of Hamilton canceled scheduled performances in protest, and the center has seen a sharp decline in subscriptions.
This arts-related event precedes President Trump’s planned diplomatic visit to China, which he announced following a recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump described the conversation as “very good” and said that both leaders had extended invitations. “I will be going there with the first lady at a certain point, and he will be coming here hopefully with the first lady of China,” Trump said while meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office.
Chinese state media, however, reported only Xi’s invitation to the U.S., omitting mention of Trump’s invitation to China. The Chinese leader reportedly urged the U.S. to “withdraw the negative measures it has taken against China” and emphasized the importance of honoring a recent trade agreement reached in Geneva.