Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the opening night of the musical Chicago at the Kennedy Center. The first couple received a mixed welcome at the venue. Several videos showed the crowd cheering for Trump and Melania as they waved. In some of the videos, boos could also be heard alongside cheers.
Meanwhile, some clips showed loud cheers, drowning out the boos. A video from CBS reporter Aaron Navarro showed a mixed reaction.
Navarro wrote, “Reaction (mainly cheers) to President Trump inside the Kennedy Center tonight.” On the other hand, a video posted by White House Rapid Response showed little to no audible booing.
However, videos indicate that not everyone in the audience was pleased to see the first couple. This was their first public appearance after the Melania documentary premiered at the same venue.
RAZZLE DAZZLE: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave as they attend the opening night of ‘Chicago’ at the Trump-Kennedy Center. pic.twitter.com/y2BX3LkTr9
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 1, 2026
This isn’t the first time that Trump has been met with boos. Some people in the crowd booed him during the Feb. 2025 Super Bowl. Similar to the reactions at the Kennedy Center, Trump was both booed and applauded. Even at a screening of Les Misérables last year, he received some boos amid the cheering.
Moreover, the audience at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday was unaware that Trump would attend, although there had been a hint that a special guest would be present, according to The Independent. Melania also posted a slow-motion video showing her on-theme dress for the opening night of the musical set in the 1920s. She was not met with negative reactions for her outfit, which drew attention for its appearance.
President Trump enters the Kennedy Center to loud cheers. Some boos, but the crowd drowned them out with more cheers. He’s here to see the premier of Chicago. pic.twitter.com/Gudva2zau9
— Reagan Reese (@reaganreese_) March 31, 2026
Trump was criticized for changing the name of the historic building without approval. He appointed a board to finalize the decision, despite questions about his legal authority to do so. He is reportedly the first sitting president to have buildings and airports named after him. After the venue’s name was changed, some singers and performers canceled their appearances, condemning the administration.
In addition, the Kennedy Center is expected to close for $200 million in renovations approved during Trump’s tenure, impacting hundreds of employees. The move has drawn criticism, with some expressing disapproval of the renovation plan.
