Trump Attends Opening Night of “Reci Miserables” at Kennedy Center

President Trump made an appearance at the opening night of “Reci Miserables,” marking one of the initial performances at the Kennedy Center since he made significant changes to its operations.

Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the couple engaged in fundraising activities aimed at supporting the center. Outside, there were a few demonstrators who expressed their discontent about Trump’s presence, and some performers chose to skip the event in protest.

Trump responded to the boycott, saying, “I couldn’t really care about it. All I do is run the country well.”

The fundraiser on Wednesday reportedly raised $10 million for the Kennedy Center, with its nearly 2,400-seat opera house hosting completely sold-out performances. Some exclusive tickets, which included private meetings and gifts with the president, were available for as much as $2 million.

“We want to get it back more than ever. You know, we need a little help from an age and fitness perspective, but it’s going to be great,” Trump mentioned.

“Les Misérables” is one of the significant productions to grace the Kennedy Center since Trump took over as chairman after reshaping its board in February. Trump had previously criticized the center for being somewhat stagnant and has since appointed Richard Grenell’s special mission envoy as the interim executive director.

In his efforts to reshape the board, the president has selected several political allies as members, including Chief of Staff Susie Wills, Attorney General Pam Bondy, and Fox News personalities Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo.

Earlier this month, the Kennedy Center noted a 36% reduction in subscription sales following Trump’s acquisition of the Arts Hub.

During his initial term, Trump broke from tradition by declining to attend the annual Kennedy Center honors after several honorees publicly criticized him.