STORY: U.S. President Donald Trump was greeted with a high-volume mix of boos and cheers on Wednesday (June 11) as he took his seat for his first production at the Kennedy Center, the performing arts facility he has subjected to a conservative takeover.

The mixed reception for Trump and his wife Melania as they arrived in the presidential box before a performance of "Les Miserables" reflected the heightened emotions that have been unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural center.

At Wednesday's performance, several drag queens in full regalia sat in the audience, likely in response to Trump's criticism of the venue for hosting drag shows.

Trump's appearance was meant to boost fundraising for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and he said donors raised over $10 million.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: ATTENDEES CHEERING AND BOOING U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, AT KENNEDY CENTER / STILL PICTURE OF DRAG QUEENS AMONG ATTENDEES AT THEATRE PERFORMANCE

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (JUNE 11, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. ATTENDEES AT THEATRE PERFORMANCE CHEERING AND BOOING AS U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, AND FIRST LADY, MELANIA TRUMO, APPEAR IN ONE OF THE BALCONIES OF KENNEDY CENTER

2. VARIOUS OF SOME ATTENDEES CHANTING “U.S.A.” AS TRUMP AND MELANIA SALUTE / SOME ATTENDEES BOOING

3. WHITE FLASH

4. TRUMP AND MELANIA GETTING UP AND LEAVING THE BALCONY AS CROWD CHEERS

5. (MUTE) STILL PICTURE OF DRAG QUEENS AMONG ATTENDEES AT THEATRE PERFORMANCE