When President Donald Trump descends on the Kennedy Performing Arts Center next month for a high-dollar fundraiser and a performance of “Les Misérables,” he won’t be seeing the usual cast performing, sources told CNN. At least 10 to 12 performers in Les Mis are planning to sit out the show on June 11, the night that Trump attends at the Kennedy Center, the sources said. The cast was given the option to not perform the night Trump will be in the audience, and both major cast members and members of the ensemble are among those sitting out, according to the sources. The move highlights friction between the Trump administration and members within the center as the president has made an aggressive push to reshape it, thrusting the Washington, DC-based performing arts complex into the middle of culture wars. The boycott follows Trump’s decision to effectively take control of the Kennedy Center as part of a widespread effort his administration has undertaken to bend American institutions – including cultural, legal and educational pillars – to the president’s will. Less than a month into his presidency, Trump installed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center thanks to a newly constituted board, including several new Trump appointees who replaced trustees appointed by Democratic presidents. He also named Richard Grenell, a longtime confidant already serving in multiple administration positions, to the director role earlier this year. The same night that Trump will attend the performance of Les Mis, he will also hold a fundraiser to benefit the Kennedy Center. The fundraiser was first reported by ABC News. “We are definitely using the Les Mis opening as an opportunity” to shore up the center’s finances, one person familiar with the plans told CNN. During his 2016 campaign, Trump used music from Les Mis during his campaign rallies, which the co-creators of the musical objected to, according to the Guardian. CNN reached out for comment to the Kennedy Center, the company producing Les Mis and the union that represents the cast members. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Trump has both publicly and privately complained about the state of the Kennedy Center, while Grenell previously asserted that it has “no cash on hand, no reserves.” “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST,” Trump wrote on Truth Social in February. “RIC, WELCOME TO SHOW BUSINESS!” Artists including Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes and Ben Folds have resigned from their leadership roles or canceled events at the space in response to the changes, while the center has canceled performances, including the children’s musical “Finn.” High-profile shows like “Hamilton,” meanwhile, scrapped planned performances at the Kennedy Center after Trump’s takeover. During a visit to the center in March, Trump criticized Hamilton, the hit musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda that is a modern telling of the country’s founding through the eyes of Alexander Hamilton, including a multi-ethnic cast. “I never liked Hamilton very much,” Trump told reporters. “But we are going to have some really good shows,” Trump added. “I would say this, come here and watch it, and you’ll see, over a period of time, it’ll improve very greatly physically. And we’re going to get some very good shows. The thing that does well are Broadway hits.”
Exclusive: Some ‘Les Mis’ cast members plan to boycott Trump’s attendance at Kennedy Center performance next month
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Cast Members of 'Les Misérables' Plan Boycott of Kennedy Center Performance During Trump's Visit"
CNN
6.5
TruthLens AI Summary
In anticipation of President Donald Trump's upcoming attendance at a fundraiser and a performance of 'Les Misérables' at the Kennedy Performing Arts Center, a significant portion of the cast has decided to boycott the event. Sources indicate that between 10 to 12 performers, including both major cast members and ensemble members, plan to sit out the show on June 11. This decision underscores the growing tensions between the Trump administration and the arts community, particularly as Trump has made moves to reshape the Kennedy Center’s leadership and direction since taking office. The president's appointment of new board members, including several Trump loyalists, has raised concerns among artists about the influence of his administration on cultural institutions. The boycott reflects a broader discontent within the artistic community regarding Trump's approach to American cultural life, which many view as an attempt to exert control over traditionally independent institutions.
The upcoming performance coincides with a fundraiser that aims to benefit the Kennedy Center, marking a controversial intersection of politics and the arts. Trump's previous comments about the Kennedy Center have been critical, indicating dissatisfaction with its financial state and programming. The backlash from artists and performers has been notable, with several high-profile figures resigning from leadership roles or cancelling events in protest of Trump's influence. The Kennedy Center has also seen cancellations of popular performances, including 'Hamilton,' which highlights the ongoing cultural rift exacerbated by Trump's presidency. As the event approaches, it remains to be seen how the boycott will impact the performance and whether it will resonate with the broader public, reflecting the contentious relationship between the Trump administration and the arts community.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article examines the planned boycott by cast members of "Les Misérables" in response to President Donald Trump's upcoming attendance at a performance and fundraiser at the Kennedy Center. This situation reflects broader tensions between the Trump administration and cultural institutions, particularly in Washington, D.C.
Motivation Behind the Article
The article seems to aim at highlighting the discord between Trump and the arts community, showcasing the decision of the cast to sit out the performance as a form of protest. This boycott may be seen as a symbolic resistance against what they perceive as Trump's attempts to exert control over cultural institutions. The coverage provides insight into the ongoing culture wars in the U.S. and the implications of political figures influencing the arts.
Public Perception
By focusing on the boycott, the article fosters a narrative that positions the arts community as actively opposing Trump's presence and policies. This portrayal may resonate with audiences who are critical of the former president, potentially galvanizing support among those who share similar sentiments. The emphasis on the cast's decision also serves to humanize the performers as they stand up for their beliefs, aiming to generate empathy and solidarity from the public.
Potential Concealments
While the article centers on the boycott, it may obscure broader discussions about the implications of such actions on the Kennedy Center’s funding and operations. The context of Trump’s fundraising efforts could distract from underlying issues about the arts' dependence on governmental support and the complexities of political influence in cultural settings.
Manipulative Elements
The article has a moderate level of manipulativeness, primarily through its framing of the situation. By emphasizing the cast's boycott and the friction with the Trump administration, it might lead readers to view the event as a significant cultural clash. The choice of language, such as "culture wars" and "aggressive push," evokes strong emotions and suggests a struggle rather than a mere attendance at a performance.
Factual Basis
The information presented appears to be grounded in reported facts, as it cites sources and references specific events, such as the fundraising aspect and past controversies surrounding Trump's use of music from "Les Mis." However, interpretations of the significance and impact of the boycott may vary, influencing how readers perceive the situation.
Cultural Implications
This article may resonate particularly with artistic communities, liberal audiences, and those who support cultural independence from political influence. The portrayal of the boycott serves to affirm the values of artistic freedom and resistance, appealing to individuals who prioritize these ideals.
Economic and Political Impact
While the article does not directly address economic repercussions, the ongoing tensions highlighted could impact funding for the arts and the Kennedy Center's financial health, especially if public sentiment shifts significantly. In a broader context, such protests may influence political discourse surrounding the arts and funding policies.
Connection to Global Dynamics
In terms of global power dynamics, the article reflects ongoing domestic cultural conflicts that resonate with international observers, particularly those interested in how political figures interact with cultural institutions. The issue of political influence in the arts is not unique to the U.S., making it relevant to global discussions about cultural sovereignty and political engagement.
AI Involvement
It is unlikely that artificial intelligence significantly influenced the writing of this article. However, if AI were used, it could have contributed to structuring the narrative or generating language that emphasizes conflict. The article's tone and focus suggest that it is crafted to elicit strong responses, potentially aligning with AI's capabilities to analyze audience sentiment.
Overall, this article serves to underscore the ongoing tensions between political figures and cultural institutions, showcasing the arts community’s response to perceived overreach. Its framing invites readers to engage with the narrative of resistance, potentially shaping public discourse around the intersection of politics and the arts.