Donald Trump was met with a mix of cheers and jeers as he attended the opening night of “Chicago” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday.
The president was joined by his wife, Melania Trump, who turned heads with her expensive fashion choice for the evening.
Beyond the red-carpet moment, the appearance seems to have also reignited a growing online debate. Social media lit up as critics pointed to Trump’s recent move to attach his own name to the iconic venue.
In official communications and signage, the institution has been rebranded as the “Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” to be shortened to the Trump-Kennedy Center.
Donald Trump Makes Appearance At Kennedy Center For ‘Chicago’ Opening Night
Trump and his wife were greeted with a divided response inside the theater at the Kennedy Center, as applause and boos rang out while they took their seats for the performance of “Chicago.”
Clips circulating on social media captured the moment from inside the venue. One video shared on X by the White House-linked account “Rapid Response 47” appeared to present a more favorable crowd reaction.
“Chicago” is among the highest-profile shows staged at the center this year and arrives at a time when the institution is undergoing major changes.
Several performers had previously pulled out of appearances at the venue following its controversial rebranding.
Trump’s visit also comes just months before the center is expected to shut its doors for an extended overhaul.
Trump’s Night Out Overshadowed By Fan Outrage Over Name Controversy
As well as the mixed reception that Trump and Melania received inside the theater, their night out at the Kennedy Center also sparked strong reactions online.
Specifically, the moment appears to have rekindled debate over the president’s decision to append his name to the venue.
“‘Trump’ Kennedy Center. For most Americans, this will forever remain the ‘Kennedy Center,’” one user said in a quote-reply to “Rapid Response 47” on X.
Another comment called for measures to prevent similar changes in the future.
“The minute he’s out, someone better rip that gold name off the building & sell that sh-t,” they wrote. “It’s going back to the Kennedy Center & a law needs to protect future alterations.”
Donald Trump Also Drew Mixed Reception During Past Kennedy Center Visit
It was also not the first time Trump drew a mixed reaction at the Kennedy Center.
During a previous visit for the opening night of “Les Misérables,” the president faced a similarly divided crowd, with both supporters and protesters turning up at the venue.
While some attendees welcomed Trump warmly, others used the moment to demonstrate against him. Among them were drag performers who showed up in protest of proposed programming changes at the center.
Ahead of the performance, reports had also suggested that some cast members were considering boycotting the show.
When asked about the possibility, Trump brushed it off.
“I couldn’t care less. Honestly, I couldn’t. All I do is run the country well,” Trump said, according to Fox News.
Melania Trump Repeats $3,000 Designer Dress For Kennedy Center Night Out
As she attended the opening night of “Chicago,” Melania stepped out in a white dress that caught attention with its flapper-style design, complete with layered fringe detailing.
It did not take long for fashion watchers to spot the aspect that made the outfit stand out even more.
The dress, a Michael Kors design, was not new. Melania had previously worn the same piece during a 2017 G20 Summit dinner in Hamburg, Germany.
According to The Mirror US, the piece once retailed for close to $3,000 and has since sold out.
Donald Trump Mocked With Giant Golden Toilet Near Lincoln Memorial
As Trump continues to dominate headlines following his latest public appearance, a 10-foot golden toilet installation has appeared near the Lincoln Memorial, taking direct aim at the president.
According to USA Today, the sculpture is titled “A Throne Fit For a King,” and was unveiled on March 30 by an anonymous group known as The Secret Handshake.
The installation sits on the National Mall, with visitors allowed to climb onto the oversized “throne” and take photos.
The group behind the piece says the work is intended to spark political conversation through humor and spectacle.