The Japan Times - Trump cheered, jeered at 'Les Miserables' debut in Washington

Trump's appearance at the opening night of the hit musical "Les Miserables" at the renowned Kennedy Center could hardly have been more politically charged.

The 78-year-old Republican recently orchestrated a conservative takeover of the famed arts venue, reportedly prompting some "Les Mis" cast members to boycott the show.

"I couldn't care less. Honestly, I couldn't. All I do is run the country well," Trump told reporters when asked about a boycott as he arrived with First Lady Melania Trump.

The show's tale of revolutionary fervor, featuring street protesters in 19th century France manning the barricades against a repressive leader also seemed to take on new relevance as the United States itself faces fresh turbulence over Trump's governance.

When the presidential couple appeared Wednesday evening on the central balcony, emblazoned with a presidential seal, booing audience members appeared to struggle to make themselves heard over cheers and chants of "USA! USA!"

- 'Dictatorial' behavior -

Trump, who was joined by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance at the premiere, has recently sent in troops to deal with protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles.

"We're going to have a safe country... Remember, if I wasn't there... Los Angeles would have been burning to the ground," Trump insisted to reporters.

California officials accuse him of "dictatorial" behavior and of manufacturing a confrontation by deploying thousands of National Guard troops and US Marines.

"I think the irony is probably lost on him," Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media, told AFP.

California's Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, who has harshly criticized Trump's actions in his state, reacted on X to news that Trump was attending the musical with the plea: "Someone explain the plot to him."

The social injustice portrayed in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel -- coupled with songs such as "Do You Hear the People Sing?" and "I Dreamed a Dream" -- has long resonated with audiences around the world.

Billionaire Trump, who had announced his decision to attend "Les Miserables" before the Los Angeles protests erupted, says he too has long been a fan.

- 'Love the songs' -

The real estate tycoon has played songs from the show at his rallies and political events. "I love the songs, I love the play," Trump told Fox News Digital last week.

Asked which of the play's characters he most identified with, however, Trump punted to his wife.

"That's a tough one... you better answer that one, honey," Trump replied.

His attendance is yet another show of strength after installing himself as chairman of the center and replacing the entire board with loyalists in February.

Loge said Trump's presence there was part of a broader effort at image-making by the reality TV star-turned-president.

"Les Mis is a great spectacle. And it sounds smart. It's not just a show, it sounds like it stands for something," he said.

Trump's takeover of the John F. Kennedy Center faced opposition in some quarters. A historically bipartisan-supported institution, it has never been led by a US president before.

Hit show "Hamilton" canceled its run there in response.

Trump countered by saying he had "never liked" the rap musical, which is about the birth of the United States and its first treasury secretary.

Several key figures at the Kennedy Center -- including TV producer Shonda Rhimes who created "Grey's Anatomy" and musician Ben Folds -- resigned from their leadership positions.

And the Vances -- Usha Vance is one of the new board members -- were booed by the Kennedy Center audience at a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra in March.

Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center comes amid a broader assault on what he deems "woke" programming at cultural institutions, including the famed Smithsonian museums, as well as universities.

T.Kobayashi--JT