Russia Signals Frustration Over Unfulfilled U.S. Commitments After Alaska Summit 
Trump Threatens Legal Action Against Disney’s ABC Over Jimmy Kimmel’s Return 
6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash 
Netflix’s Bid for Warner Bros Discovery Aims to Cut Streaming Costs and Reshape the Industry 
Bessent Says U.S. Must Strengthen Supply Chains and Economic Security 
George Clooney Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Threat, Calls for Film Tax Incentives 
Mexico Probes Miss Universe President Raul Rocha Over Alleged Criminal Links 
Trump’s Quantum Push Lifts IBM Stock as CEO Arvind Krishna Receives White House Praise 
Japan, U.S. Discuss Yen Weakness as Currency Intervention Concerns Grow 
How Marvel’s Fantastic Four discovered the human in the superhuman 
US Waives Iran Sanctions for 60 Days as Peace Talks Advance and Lebanon Sees Calm 
Trump Highlights Manufacturing Agenda in Pennsylvania as Midterm Elections Approach 
Paramount Skydance Eyes Streamlined Merger with Warner Bros Discovery Amid $60 Billion Offer Rejection 
How Donald Trump has changed the way diplomacy is done 
Taiwan Launches Five-Day Combat Readiness Drill Amid Rising China Military Activity 
Moscow Downs Dozens of Ukrainian Drones as Airports Halt Flights Amid Escalating Attacks 
U.S. President Donald Trump received a blend of boos and cheers during his first visit to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, reflecting public reaction to his conservative overhaul of the cultural institution. Attending a performance of Les Misérables with First Lady Melania Trump, Trump faced a divided crowd—some turning their backs, others chanting "USA! USA!" to drown out disapproval.
The show’s themes of protest and resistance mirrored ongoing unrest, especially following Trump’s deployment of U.S. Marines and the National Guard in Los Angeles to suppress immigration protests. Drag queens in attendance appeared to respond to Trump’s criticism of the center for previously hosting drag performances.
Trump, who did not attend Kennedy Center events during his first term, has since taken control—replacing its chairman and president, and pledging to shift programming toward conservative values. Under the leadership of Ric Grenell, the center has introduced religious-themed shows and altered its artistic direction.
Trump’s appearance was tied to a fundraising push, with donor packages priced from $100,000 to $2 million. According to organizers, the event raised over $10 million. Trump vowed to "bring it back to the highest level," despite reports of declining revenue. Theater subscriptions are down 82%, and overall subscription revenue has dropped 36% year-over-year. However, center officials attribute this to a delayed renewal campaign and note strong ticket sales for Les Misérables.
Major productions like Hamilton have pulled out, signaling industry concerns. Despite backlash, Trump praised Les Misérables as one of his favorites. Vice President JD Vance and other high-profile officials also attended, with Vance downplaying public reactions as part of holding national office.
The Kennedy Center continues to grapple with its evolving identity under Trump’s influence.
