J.D. Vance Faces a Chorus of Booing at Kennedy Center After Trump’s Rise to Power

Vice President J.D. Vance was heckled while observing a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts following President Donald Trump’s assumption of leadership.

As per a video posted by The Guardian global affairs reporter Andrew Roth on X, Thursday, March 13, Vance, 40, faced immediate booing as he readied to view the National Symphony Orchestra alongside Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos performing Stravinsky’s Petrushka from a balcony seat. His spouse, Usha Vance, was spotted with him.

As the vice president settled into his seat, an individual was heard shouting, “Boo.” Another person was caught on audio exclaiming, “Oh f—.”

Once further audience members recognized Vance’s presence, the boos intensified, prompting Vance to take a sip of his beverage and wave to the folks below him. While he was chatting with his wife, the boos persisted for approximately 30 seconds, according to The New York Times.

The reaction to Vance’s presence at the Kennedy Center follows Trump revealing on the Truth Social platform on Friday, Feb. 7, that he was seizing control of the performing arts and cultural institution.

“At my command, we are set to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have chosen to promptly terminate several individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not align with our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture. We will soon announce a new Board, with an incredible Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP,” he declared at that moment.

The Kennedy Center reacted and stated it had not received any communication from the White House regarding alterations to our board of trustees, but was “aware that some members of our board have received termination notices from the administration.”

On Sunday, Feb. 9, while responding to inquiries aboard Air Force One en route to the 2025 Super Bowl, Trump elaborated on his interest in taking over the Kennedy Center.

“I wish to ensure it operates correctly. We don’t need wokeness at the Kennedy Center, and we don’t require — some of the shows were atrocious. They were a disgrace that they were even produced,” he stated. “So I’ll be there until it is functioning properly.”

When questioned if he had ever attended a show at the Kennedy Center, Trump responded, “No. I receive reports that they were so poor … I didn’t wish to go. There was nothing I wanted to witness.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, Trump was elected as Chairman of the Board. Vance’s wife, Usha, was elected as one of the board members, as mentioned by NPR.

Since Trump’s takeover, more than 20 shows have been canceled, as reported by Consequence. Issa Rae voluntarily canceled her performance of “An Evening with Issa Rae” at the center in February, and Shonda Rhimes resigned from her position as treasurer.

Ben Folds also announced his resignation from his role as the artistic director of the NSO after the takeover.