Vice President JD Vance encountered a loud booing while sitting down at the Washington’s Kennedy Center Thursday night after President Donald Trump’s controversial move appoints himself as chairman of the prestigious arts institution.
Vance is seen entering the box with his wife Usha Vance in a video shot by Andrew Roth of The Guardian. As they settled down, the initial joke quickly became bigger as more attendees realized his presence. One listener even heard a shout, “Kill that light!” apparently trying to remove him from the view.
Despite the cold reception, Vance seemed uncomfortable, calmly drank his drink and then smiled and waved to the crowd. The vice president and his wife participated in a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra, which has been a fixture at the Kennedy Center since its opening in 1971.
The backlash came after Trump’s astonishing decision to control the Kennedy Center in February, citing concerns over its programming — including resistance performances. He claimed his leadership will ensure the agency is “good rather than waking up.”
Trump had previously admitted that he had never participated in a performance at the Kennedy Center and was officially elected as chairman of the board on February 12, replacing David M. Rubenstein. He also dismissed long-time president Deborah F.
This move has triggered major obstacles to the entertainment industry. Actress Issa Rae canceled her sold-out event “Night with Issa Rae” in February, while Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller withdraws Hamilton Starting at the venue from the scheduled 2026. Famous producer Shonda Rhimes also resigned from the Kennedy Center board in protest.
The White House and the Kennedy Center have not commented on the latest controversy.
