Actors of Les Misérables to Boycott Kennedy Center Performance Due to Trump’s Presence: What You Need to Know

At least ten cast members from the North American tour of Les Misérables will not perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on June 11. This boycott is in response to Donald Trump’s planned attendance for a fundraising event at the venue. The show’s producers haven’t publicly named the cast members who opted out.

This performance aligns with Trump’s recent involvement at the Kennedy Center, where he became chair of the board this past February. His presence has sparked significant changes, including the replacement of former president Deborah Rutter with Trump ally Richard Grenell.

Grenell stated that the center aims to avoid funding related to “intolerance.” He emphasized the importance of performers being professional enough to entertain all audiences, regardless of their political views. This approach, he argues, helps create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Interestingly, on May 6, the House committee approved a $257 million budget allocation for the Kennedy Center, following Trump’s critiques about its condition. This funding could be a way to offset his previous efforts to cut support for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Those proposed cuts might affect grants for various nonprofit theaters nationwide.

Several arts organizations are currently challenging new NEA requirements resulting from Trump’s executive order, which restricts federal funds for projects seen as promoting “gender ideology.”

The cast boycott is part of a larger trend. Many artists have distanced themselves from performances at the Kennedy Center since Trump’s leadership began. For instance, the Hamilton tour pulled a scheduled show, and another production, Finn, was canceled.

Social media reactions highlight a divide among the public. Some applaud the cast for standing up for their beliefs, while others criticize them for mixing politics with art. The legacy of political influences on performances is noteworthy. During the 2016 campaign, Trump used music from Les Misérables, prompting a public condemnation from the show’s co-creators.

For more details on the Kennedy Center’s choices and the ongoing debates about art and politics, you can explore more here.

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