Trump receives warm reception at the Kennedy Center after transforming the arts institution | CNN Politics

President Donald Trump finally got the Kennedy Center reception he’s always wanted. He just had to gut the board of trustees, reshape its leadership and staffing, overhaul its programming, and prepare for a $257 million renovation that he says will require a two-year closure starting this July. Joined by the first lady, who wore an apropos fringe dress, Trump arrived in the presidential box suite at the storied arts center, renamed the “Trump Kennedy Center” by his board in December, to widespread applause and minimal boos throughout the iconic Opera House on the opening night of “Chicago.” The show is about murder, debauchery, publicity, fame, and ultimately, justice – or a lack thereof. At intermission, attendees once again stood to applaud the Trumps, some chanting, “USA, USA.” And a well-placed source observed the president doing his signature dance moves to the finale. It was a departure from his charged July appearance at a showing of “Les Misérables,” where four drag queens sat below the presidential box in a visual protest of Trump’s programming changes and one audience member was escorted out by security for calling him a “convicted felon.” The T

Apr 1, 2026 → Apr 20, 2026