Trump Attends Kennedy Center Event Amid Protests
WASHINGTON – Dressed like his predecessor, President Trump, along with First Lady Melania, made an appearance on the Kennedy Center’s red carpet Wednesday night to attend a show titled “Leatherables.”
“Honestly, my focus is running the country effectively,” the president in a black tuxedo commented while standing next to Melania, who wore an elegant black sleeveless gown and silver heels for the occasion.
This marked the president’s inaugural visit to Washington, D.C., after he described the center in February as “a tremendous devastation,” emphasizing his goal of rejuvenating the venue.
“We aim to enhance it like never before,” Trump stated. “It’s in need of a little TLC, but it’s going to be fantastic.”
He mentioned having seen “Resmith” multiple times but seemed torn between identifying with Jean Valjean or Inspector Javert.
“That’s a tough one; maybe you should answer that, honey,” he turned to Melania.
The lavish event managed to raise $10 million, with Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance also present.
Upon taking office, the president dismissed the Kennedy Center board, criticizing a permitted show he claimed was “targeting our youth.”
During the performance, several drag queens staged a protest, objecting to the sweeping changes proposed for the arts venue.
Meanwhile, across the nation, protests erupted, with reports of unrest and even violence over a span of six days, as anti-ICE demonstrations took place, and Los Angeles mobilized against immigrant raids.
In response to the turmoil, Trump deployed 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles, attributing the chaos to “radical leftists.”
“We’re restoring law and order in our nation,” Trump declared.
The president expressed his frustration regarding reports that some of his favored musical cast members were facing boycotts, stating, “If I hadn’t acted immediately, Los Angeles would be in flames right now.”
Looking ahead to Saturday, Trump announced plans for a grand military parade—an event coinciding with his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army—calling it an “incredible” tribute to the nation.
The $30 million spectacle along the National Mall is expected to showcase hundreds of military vehicles, tanks, and planes, with roughly 6,600 soldiers marching alongside historic military instruments.
“It’s going to be a parade like we haven’t seen in decades,” Trump promised, adding, “It’s a celebration of our country and our military. We possess the best weapons and the best people in the world. It’s going to be a spectacular event.”
