Some Les Misérables Cast Members Plan to Sit Out Trump’s Kennedy Center Gala

Images via Rena Schild; Chip Somodevilla / Shutterstock

Tensions are brewing behind the curtain at the Kennedy Center as several cast members of Les Misérables consider sitting out a gala performance tied to President Donald Trump’s new leadership of the cultural institution.

The gala, scheduled for June 11, is expected to feature a performance of the iconic musical — reportedly one of Trump’s favorites — as part of a fund-raising event celebrating his recent takeover of the Kennedy Center and its board. But not all performers are on board.

According to a source familiar with the matter, some cast members have opted out of the performance after learning that Trump planned to attend. The performers were reportedly given the option not to appear, although the production itself will go on as scheduled. The move has not been officially acknowledged by Bond Theatrical, which is overseeing the show’s tour, though they issued a brief statement affirming that performances would continue throughout the engagement.

Richard Grenell, Trump’s appointee and newly installed president of the Kennedy Center, pushed back against reports of a boycott. In a sharply worded statement, he criticized any artist unwilling to perform “for patrons of all backgrounds,” saying such performers should be exposed to ensure producers know “who they shouldn’t hire.”

This protest isn’t occurring in isolation. Trump’s appointment has prompted a broader backlash across the arts community. The musician Rhiannon Giddens and actress Issa Rae have canceled planned appearances at the center. A scheduled Hamilton tour was also scrapped in response to the leadership changes, which included the removal of Biden-era board members in favor of Trump-aligned figures.

Despite the controversy, Trump is pushing forward with his vision for the center, reportedly requesting $257 million in federal funds for building renovations — a substantial increase from past allocations. During a recent board meeting, he praised Broadway talent, calling musical theater performers “the greatest talents” and expressing admiration for their dedication.

The Kennedy Center engagement of Les Misérables is slated to run through mid-July.