Against the backdrop of ICE raids and continuing protests in Los Angeles, the Trumps and the Vances dressed up for the opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.—the musical about redemption, justice, and revolution in 19th century France.
For many, the irony was not lost, and the enduring feelings of frustration and unrest with the Trump administration were palpable at the Kennedy Center. President Trump and Melania Trump, as well as Vice President JD Vance and wife Usha Vance, received a mixed reception on the red carpet—many booed, while others chanted “USA.” Cast members of the original production are also reported to have boycotted the evening. (“I couldn’t care less,” Trump told the present press. “Honestly, I couldn’t. All I do is run the country well”).
Melania opted for a black sleeveless Bottega Veneta gown with a high boatneck and gold neck fastening, with silver stilettos. Second Lady Usha Vance wore a dark navy, strapless Shoshanna dress with silver piping across the bodice and skirt with black pumps. Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were also in attendance: Hines wore a black strapless gown with a feathered hemline, with black open-toed sandals and a black and silver clutch bag. Trump, Vance, and Kennedy Jr. wore classic tuxedos; Vance and Kennedy Jr’s with accents of navy blue.
While the leading families opted for dark, subdued, monochromatic looks—pared back from their usual outings—it was in contrast to some of the protesters in the audience. A group of drag queens, wearing colorful outfits of pastel pinks and yellows, took to their seats in the auditorium to rounds of applause: Protesting Trump’s impact on the arts and the LGBTQ+ community.
Recently, both Melania Trump and Usha Vance have exercised more low-key looks for their public appearances. Like those worn at the Joint Session of Congress; Trump wore a gray tweed skirt suit by Christian Dior, while Vance chose a structured cream blazer and pleated trousers. The continued choice of looks that blend in and keep quiet, more than the Melania Trumpian history of flair and flamboyant fashion, felt considered, given the deployment of thousands of National Guard and military troops to Los Angeles amid protests around federal immigration raids.
This was Trump’s first production at the Kennedy Center, after seizing control as self-appointed chairman. Back in February, Trump elected himself as the new chair, fired the president, and promised to overhaul its “too woke” program. He actively criticized the venue’s hosting of drag events.
“I love Les Mis,” Trump said to the press at the event. “We’ve seen it many times. We love it. One of my favorites.”
