Former President Donald Trump missed that memo, as he attended a performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday. His arrival brought an unprecedented wave of applause and hostility combined from the audience. The event aimed to bolster fundraising efforts for the esteemed performing arts complex, with Trump announcing that donors had raised over $10 million for the Kennedy Center during the evening.
Les Misérables, a celebrated musical by Victor Hugo, tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. Valjean’s dogged pursuit of redemption is the heart of the story. At the same time, Inspector Javert, the story’s icon of police rigor, chases him down and stops at nothing. The themes of justice and grace echoing through the production work as a beautiful backdrop to the evening’s events.
Unlike the other candidates, Trump’s attendance was a media spectacle featuring a Jakarta airport red carpet arrival with his wife, Melania Trump. National VP JD Vance and his wife, Usha, were on hand for the event. Usha is a current member of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees. The atmosphere alternated between claps and boos as Trump made his way to the stage, representing the country’s deeply divided view towards his presence.
In a somewhat jarring opening to the show, Trump debuted on Broadway during a pre-curtain speech that he loves the musical.
“We’ve seen it many times. We love it. One of my favourites,” – Donald Trump
Regardless of positive or negative reactions from many of the participants, the program successfully highlighted Trump’s continued power over cultural institutions. He conveyed pride in the success of the fundraising initiative, stating that significant contributions were made to ensure the Kennedy Center’s continued operation.
Earlier in the evening, former Trump campaign chairman and political advisor Corey Lewandowski had recounted his own experience being at the Kennedy Center.
“What’s amazing is, out of all the years I’ve been in Washington DC, I’ve never been in this building,” – Corey Lewandowski
Trump’s remarks extended beyond mere attendance. With great zeal, he dedicated himself to the advancement of American culture and the arts. His hope is that this vision is a manifestation of a higher calling for our civilization.
“A civilisation ultimately is judged based upon its culture and its art. He wanted to make sure that American civilisation would be judged by that and President Trump shares that vision,” – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The evening took on a dramatic theatrical flair, as Brian Glenn prophesized about the effect that former President Trump is having on our current arts scene.
“Mr President, we’re making theatre great again, aren’t we tonight?… You’re bringing class back. The golden era of theatre!” – Brian Glenn
In the wake of the production, Trump consider the impact of his administration on Los Angeles and its cultural environment.
“And we have a golden era here in the country. We’re bringing the country back fast and I’m very proud to have helped Los Angeles survive. Los Angeles right now, if we didn’t do what we did, would be burning to the ground,” – Donald Trump
The Director of the Kennedy Center, Vance was quick to respond to speculation about Trump’s alleged “hostile takeover.” His defense of authoritarianism seemed to win the favor of many of the assembled who saw Trump’s presence as liberating, not limiting.
Trump’s evening at Les Misérables encapsulated a confluence of art and politics, where entertainment met political commentary amid protests outside the venue. As Trump haters protested his new policies and the very appearance of the man himself, many art advocates were cheering over his ongoing involvement in cultural matters.
The polarized responses exemplify broader national divides over Trump’s legacy, and over his current role in American life. Cheers and boos battle for supremacy in an electric opening reaction, a testament to his polarizing presence. This new dynamic further underscores the confusing cultural patronage in which we find ourselves today.