HAPPENING NOW: Trump attends play Kennedy Center as drag performers and cast members protest

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President Donald Trump is at the theatre, taking in the classic “Les Miserables” at the Kennedy Center. His participation in Washington’s night life is rare, but his interest in the Kennedy Center has peaked in his second term (more on that below).

Trump’s visit comes with a bit of controversy, as per usual, as the Left is not as enthusiastic about his night out.

From NPR: A group of drag performers is planning to show up in protest of President Trump and Vice President Vance’s scheduled attendance of the opening performance of Les Misérables at the John F. Kennedy Center on Wednesday night.

Four to six drag performers are expected to be at the event, after some attendees — who no longer wanted their tickets after Trump took over the performing arts center — donated them, according to Qommittee, a network of drag performers, fans and allies.

One such performer is Vagenesis, whose real name is Anderson Wells. Vagenesis told NPR she “couldn’t deny” speaking out. She is protesting in response to the president’s pledge to put a stop to drag shows at the center.

Trump changed leadership at the center in February, saying there would be “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.”

He fired President Deborah Rutter, board chair David Rubenstein, and board members that had been appointed by President Joe Biden, NPR reported.

Trump appointed several people in his circle to board seats, including second lady Usha Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi. He then elected himself chair of the revamped board. Some performers canceled their shows due to the leadership changes, and the Capital Pride Alliance moved several Pride month events from the venue.

During a dinner for the Kennedy Center board recently, Trump said the programming at the center in the past has been “inappropriate.”

“The programming was out of control with rampant political propaganda, [diversity, equity and inclusion] and inappropriate shows,” he said.

Trump’s decision has been criticized by the Left. Several members of the Les Miserables cast are expected to boycott the his attendance by refusing to perform.

The Independant reports: “Cast members have remained mum on social media regarding the Kennedy Center run, but multiple reports indicate that up to a dozen performers will sit out of Wednesday’s show.

“‘The cast was given the option to not perform the night Trump will be in the audience, and both major cast members and members of the ensemble are among those sitting out,’ CNN reported last month.”

Trump’s visit to the Kennedy Center marks his first time attending a show after his leadership shakeup.

He attends with his wife Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance.

Watch the red carpet for the Les Miserables opening night at the Kennedy Center below:

READ MORE AT NPR.

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