Trump Unironically Attends ‘Les Misérables’ As Protests Spread | EUROtoday

As protests in opposition to his immigration insurance policies balloon nationwide, President Donald Trump is seeing certainly one of his favourite musicals on Wednesday night time: “Les Misérables,” the story of an anti-government rebellion, abusive police and harsh imprisonment.

Trump goes to opening night time of the well-known musical’s one-month run at Washington, D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, whose whole board of trustees he changed in February and had them identify him chairman.

“We’ve seen it many times,” Trump mentioned upon arriving on the Kennedy Center with first girl Melania Trump. “Love it. One of my favorites.”

When a reporter requested him which aspect of the musical’s battle he most recognized with, Trump laughed and refused to reply.

“That’s tough. You better answer that one, honey,” he mentioned, gesturing to the primary girl. “I don’t know.”

When one other reporter requested how he felt about studies that a few of the “Les Misérables” solid could be boycotting the night time of his efficiency, Trump mentioned he “couldn’t care less.”

“All I do is run the country well,” he retorted.

Trump acquired a combination of cheers and boos when he took his seat on the theater. His attendance comes after he deployed National Guard troops to face largely peaceable protesters in Los Angeles and introduced he was sending in Marines, regardless of pushback from native management.

“Les Misérables,” the musical based mostly on the 1862 novel of the identical identify, tells the story of French peasant Jean Valjean after he emerges from a 19-year jail sentence for stealing a loaf of bread for his niece. Much of the musical facilities round pupil demonstrations in opposition to the French monarchy.

One of the musical’s most recognizable songs ― “Do You Hear The People Sing?” ― has an extended historical past as an anthem at pro-democracy demonstrations. It’s additionally an obvious favourite of Trump’s, as he performed the music proper earlier than strolling onstage to announce his third presidential run in 2022.

Several drag performers additionally attended the present Wednesday night time to protest Trump, who introduced in February there could be “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA” on the Kennedy Center going ahead. They acquired applause as they walked in to the theater, social media movies present.

Vagenesis, whose authorities identify is Anderson Wells, was one of many deliberate attendees.

“Theater is supposed to be a place of community, a place of storytelling, a place of celebration, joy, catharsis and it should be open and available to all,” Vagenesis instructed NPR on Wednesday.

Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence equally prompted a stir when he went to see “Hamilton” shortly after successful the 2016 election. He was loudly booed when he arrived on the Manhattan theater. When Pence was attempting to exit the theater after the ultimate curtain name, actor Brandon Dixon, who was taking part in the a part of Aaron Burr, requested him to remain and delivered a message to him.

“We, sir, we are the diverse America, who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights,” Dixon mentioned.

“We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us,” he continued.