Les Misérables Cast Takes Bold Stand During High-Profile Political Event

Ten ‘Les Misérables’ actors refuse to perform during President Trump’s visit to the Kennedy Center, sparking a fierce rebuke from director Richard Grenell, who called them “vapid and intolerant” for their politically motivated boycott.

Quick Takes

At least ten cast members from Les Misérables will boycott the June 11 performance at the Kennedy Center during President Trump’s attendance
Kennedy Center Director Richard Grenell condemned the boycott, stating performers unwilling to entertain all patrons regardless of political views are not welcome
Trump, who has taken an active role in the Kennedy Center’s direction, previously promised to make it “an American Jewel” with “Broadway hits” while eliminating “anti-American propaganda”
The controversy has led to several high-profile artists, including Issa Rae and Shonda Rhimes severing ties with the Center
The performance will proceed with a modified cast despite the boycott

Artists Refuse to Perform for President Trump

A significant cultural clash is unfolding at Washington’s Kennedy Center as at least ten members of the touring Les Misérables production have decided to boycott the June 11 performance when President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend. The boycott involves both principal and ensemble cast members who were given the option by production management to abstain from performing that evening. This politically charged decision comes amid growing tensions between the artistic community and the Kennedy Center’s new Trump-aligned leadership.

The June 11 performance coincides with a major Kennedy Center fundraiser aimed at boosting the institution’s finances. While the show will proceed with understudies and alternates filling the vacated roles, the boycott represents a broader conflict between political influence and artistic expression that has intensified since Trump assumed a more prominent role at the center. Notably, planned performances of Hamilton were canceled following Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center earlier this year.

Kennedy Center Director Condemns “Intolerant” Boycott

Richard Grenell, a Trump ally appointed as interim director of the Kennedy Center in February, issued a scathing response to the boycott. Grenell emphasized that the center aims to be a politically neutral venue where audiences of all backgrounds can enjoy performances together. His reaction highlighted the deepening divide between the institution’s new leadership and parts of the artistic community who object to what they perceive as a politicization of the cultural landmark.

According to Grenell, “Any performer who isn’t professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won’t be welcomed. In fact, we think it would be important to out those vapid and intolerant artists to ensure producers know who they shouldn’t hire—and that the public knows which shows have political litmus tests to sit in the audience.”

Grenell further stated that the Kennedy Center “will no longer fund intolerance” and aims to create an environment where people “never ask who someone voted for but instead enjoy a performance together.” This position stands in stark contrast to the performers who feel their artistic integrity would be compromised by performing for the president. The clash underscores the increasing difficulty cultural institutions face in maintaining political neutrality in today’s polarized climate.

Trump’s Vision for the Kennedy Center

President Trump has publicly outlined his intentions to reshape the Kennedy Center since taking a more active role in its governance. After appointing new trustees to replace those from previous Democratic administrations, Trump has positioned himself as chairman with direct influence over programming and institutional direction. He has expressed particular views on what performances should be featured at the prestigious venue, showing clear preferences for certain types of entertainment over others.

In a social media post, Trump vowed to “make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN,” calling it “an American Jewel.” He has specifically stated his intention to end “drag shows, or other anti-American propaganda,” replacing them with what he describes as “only the best” programming. The president has also previously stated, “I never liked Hamilton very much,” a sentiment that may have influenced the cancellation of planned Hamilton performances at the Center.

Broader Impact on the Arts Community

The controversy extends beyond the Les Misérables cast, as several prominent artists have severed ties with the Kennedy Center following the leadership changes. Creators like Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, and musician Ben Folds have withdrawn from involvement with the institution, citing disagreements with its new direction. This exodus of talent represents a significant challenge to the Center’s traditional role as a bipartisan celebration of American arts and culture.

The current situation carries historical echoes as well. The Trump campaign previously used music from Les Misérables during 2016 rallies, which was met with objections from the musical’s creators. That earlier dispute adds another layer of complexity to the current boycott. As the June 11 performance approaches, the Kennedy Center controversy exemplifies the difficult balance cultural institutions must strike between artistic independence and institutional governance in politically charged times.