Former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended a Kennedy Center performance of Les Misérables on Wednesday night, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha. The show, performed by understudies, marked Trump’s first visit to the center since appointing himself chairman in February.

On the red carpet, Trump dismissed concerns about actors planning to boycott his presence. “I couldn’t care less,” he said. “All I do is run the country well.”

Trump’s leadership shake-up at the Kennedy Center included appointing Richard Grenell as executive director and dismissing many board members. He claimed the venue was in “tremendous disrepair” and vowed to restore it, criticizing prior management for hosting drag events that “targeted our youth.”

These changes sparked backlash. Prominent figures like Shonda Rhimes and Ben Folds severed ties, while LGBTQ programming—including the children’s musical Finn—was canceled or relocated, especially during Pride Month.

Drag queens staged a surprise protest during Wednesday’s performance, receiving scattered applause from the audience. Videos of the protest quickly spread online.

On the red carpet, Trump praised Grenell’s leadership and recalled his first theater experience, likely seeing Cats. He mentioned he had seen Les Misérables several times.

When asked if he identified more with Javert or Jean Valjean, Trump laughed and turned to Melania. “That’s tough. You better answer that one, honey.” Melania remained silent.