President Donald Trump was greeted by a mix of cheers and boos Tuesday for the opening night of “Chicago” at the Kennedy Center in Washington, which is scheduled to close for two years of renovations he sought.
“Chicago” is one of the higher-profile productions put on by the iconic arts venue this year, after numerous performers canceled their planned appearances after the center was renamed to include Trump’s name.
Trump attended for one of the last opening nights for a production before the Kennedy Center closes this summer for renovations for two years. The center's executive director notified staff members last week that layoffs are coming ahead of the July 5 closure date.
The board of Trump appointees approved a $250 million renovation that Trump said would make the center “the finest performing arts facility” in the world.
"Chicago" opened the same day Trump was dealt a setback on another one of his big projects — the White House ballroom. A federal judge temporarily halted construction on the ballroom Tuesday, saying Trump was not the “owner” of the White House and adding he must seek congressional approval to continue building.
Trump has attended the opening nights of other musicals at the Kennedy Center before. In June, he attended “Les Misérables” — a musical about revolution and protest in 19th century France — as widespread protests erupted around the U.S. because of his administration’s immigration policies and his deployment of the military in response. Much as he was Tuesday, Trump was greeted that time by a mix of cheers and boos from audience members.
