J.D. Vance gets booed at Kennedy Center concert

Washington, D.C. — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a national cultural landmark, has been at the center of controversy since early 2025. President Donald Trump, who has never attended a show there, appointed himself chairman and made sweeping changes to the board.

This included firing the previous chairman, David Rubenstein, and president, Deborah Rutter, and replacing them with allies like Richard Grenell as interim president. These changes have led to the cancellation or postponement of over 20 performances, including a planned staging of “Hamilton,” whose producers stated they “cannot presently support” the institution under the new leadership.

This “takeover” has been criticized as an attempt to align the center with the administration’s cultural vision, with Trump promising a “Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”

The public and artistic community have expressed dismay.

Hollywood figures like Issa Rae and Shonda Rhimes cutting ties with the institution. Staff and audience members have voiced concerns about the politicization of a traditionally non-partisan cultural space, with some describing it as “ruined” by these changes.

On the evening of March 13, 2025, the Kennedy Center hosted a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra, featuring performances of Stravinsky’s “Petrushka” and Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 2, with Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos. The event was scheduled to start at a set time but was delayed by 25 minutes due to security checks for Vice President J.D. Vance‘s attendance.

Vance, accompanied by his wife, Usha, who was recently appointed to the Kennedy Center board, entered the balcony box tier as pre-concert announcements were underway.

Upon their entrance, the audience, numbering nearly a sold-out house, erupted in boos and jeers, with some shouting “You ruined this place!” and others yelling expletives. The reaction was captured in a video shared by The Guardian‘s global affairs correspondent, Andrew Roth, on X, which has since garnered over a million views.

The booing lasted for nearly a minute, drowning out the announcements and creating a highly unusual atmosphere for a classical music concert, known for its polite and restrained demeanor.

Despite the hostile reception, Vance smiled and waved at the audience, taking a sip of his drink and appearing composed. His wife, Usha, was seen accompanying him, and the vice president briefly spoke to her during the disruption. The National Symphony Orchestra, already seated onstage, waited through the commotion before proceeding with the performance, which went uninterrupted thereafter.

Reactions and Statements

Richard Grenell, the interim president appointed by Trump, responded to the incident in an email to Kennedy Center staff, reviewed by The Washington Post. He expressed disappointment, stating, “I received several messages from Kennedy Center staffers sharing their embarrassment over more than a few Symphony patrons loudly booing the Vice President and his wife last night.” Grenell attributed the reaction to the “intolerant Left,” suggesting it reflected broader political divisions.

Audience members had mixed reactions.

Some continued to express disapproval, with one telling The Washington Post, “It’s disheartening to see our national cultural institution being used as a pawn in political games.” Others, however, were seen waving back at Vance, and a few whistles were heard amidst the boos, indicating not everyone shared the negative sentiment.

Implications and Broader Context

This incident underscores the growing intersection of politics and culture in the United StatesUnited States of America, particularly under the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape cultural institutions. The booing of Vance, a prominent figure in the administration, reflects public discontent with these changes, especially given the Kennedy Center’s role as a national symbol of arts and culture. The event has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with hashtags like #KennedyCenter and #JDVance trending, amplifying the controversy.

The delay caused by Vance’s security checks, requiring audience members to undergo full Secret Service screening, also contributed to frustration, as noted in reports from The Independent. This added to the perception of the administration’s heavy-handed approach, further fueling the audience’s reaction.

To provide perspective, symphony orchestra audiences are typically known for their decorum,
making this incident particularly notable. NPR highlighted that such rowdiness is rare,
suggesting the booing was a spontaneous expression of political protest rather than
typical concert behavior. This aligns with reports of similar incidents at other cultural events,
where political figures have faced public disapproval, reflecting broader societal tensions.

The booing of Vice President J.D. Vance at the Kennedy Center concert on March 13, 2025, highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration’s cultural policies and public sentiment. While the concert proceeded without further disruption, the incident has amplified debates about the role of politics in cultural institutions, with implications for future events at the Kennedy Center and beyond.