Drag Queens Protest Trump at Les Misérables
- A group of drag performers intends to protest President Trump and J.D.
- Trump's decision to assume control of the Kennedy Center, vowing to eliminate "woke" programming and specifically mentioning "NO MORE DRAG SHOWS," has fueled the controversy.
- According to Houston Public Media, some ticket holders, upon learning of Trump and Vance's attendance with their wives, donated their tickets to Qommittee, a network supporting drag performers.
Drag queens are set to protest Donald Trump and J.D. Vance at a Les Misérables performance at the Kennedy Center, spurred by Trump’s vow to eliminate “woke” programming and ban drag shows at the venue. This bold stance has ignited controversy, with drag performers and some cast members planning a boycott of the event. Learn how Trump’s decision to control the Kennedy Center, coupled with his past statements, has led to this confrontation in Washington D.C., and what the drag community hopes to achieve by taking a stand. News Directory 3 will continue to cover this developing story.Discover what’s next for the cast and its supporters.
Drag Stars Plan Protest at Kennedy Center’s les misérables Over Trump, Vance Attendance
Updated June 12, 2025
A group of drag performers intends to protest President Trump and J.D. Vance’s attendance at Wednesday night’s Les Misérables performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Trump’s decision to assume control of the Kennedy Center, vowing to eliminate “woke” programming and specifically mentioning “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS,” has fueled the controversy. This marks the president’s first visit to the venue since taking charge.
According to Houston Public Media, some ticket holders, upon learning of Trump and Vance’s attendance with their wives, donated their tickets to Qommittee, a network supporting drag performers.
Vagenesis, one of the protesters, told NPR the exhibition is a response to Trump’s pledge to halt drag shows at the Kennedy Center. She emphasized that theatre should be inclusive and open to all.
Several Les Misérables cast members are also expected to boycott the performance in protest. CNN reported that cast members were given the option to sit out the show, and both major and ensemble members are participating in the boycott.
A representative from the Les Misérables company stated that the national tour is looking forward to performing for D.C. audiences at the Kennedy Center, where the original production debuted in the U.S. in 1986.
As opening in 1971, the Kennedy Center has hosted diverse performances, from operas to contemporary musicals.
Following his return to office, Trump replaced the Kennedy Center’s leadership, appointing Richard Grenell as chairman. He also appointed Usha Vance, Susie Wiles, Pam Bondi, and several Fox News hosts to the board.
Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, and Ben Folds were among those who resigned from their positions in response to the changes.
The Kennedy Center has experienced a significant drop in ticket sales and has canceled performances, including a children’s musical and a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C.
Trump has stated his love for Les Misérables and has used the musical’s anthem, “Do You Hear the People Sing?” at past rallies. He also suggested extending the show’s run, which is currently scheduled through July 13.
“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, drag performer
Vagenesis said the drag performers intend to protest peacefully, hoping to send a message of resilience against bigotry and erasure.
“I hope it delivers the message that we’re not backing down. we’re not allowing this kind of bigotry and erasure to stop us from doing what we want to do, or from existing.”
Vagenesis, drag performer
What’s next
The protest and potential boycotts could influence future programming and leadership decisions at the Kennedy Center, impacting its role as a cultural institution.