This was totally uncalled for.
Vice President Vance recently experienced an unexpected reception at the Kennedy Center, where he was met with loud boos during a National Symphony Orchestra performance on Thursday night. Despite the cold reception, the former Ohio senator remained calm, responding with a smile, waving to the audience, and casually sipping his wine. A video of the incident, shared by Andrew Roth, a global affairs correspondent for the Guardian, captured the moment.
Accompanying Vice President Vance was his wife, Usha Vance, who was appointed to the Kennedy Center’s board by President Trump earlier this year. Usha, who has been an advocate for the arts, sat alongside her husband as the two stayed for the full duration of the performance, unfazed by the audience’s response.
This incident follows a series of controversies surrounding the Trump administration’s involvement with the Kennedy Center. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, several key positions at the center were filled by Republican supporters. Notable appointees included country music legend Lee Greenwood, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Senior Advisor Dan Scavino. Just last month, the board voted to name President Trump as the chair of the board.
The Trump administration’s actions have sparked backlash, with several individuals and groups choosing to part ways with the Kennedy Center. Among the notable resignations was that of musician Ben Folds, who resigned as artistic adviser to the US Symphony Orchestra. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Folds expressed gratitude for his time at the center, noting the collaborative effort to introduce symphonic music to new audiences.
Additionally, opera singer Renée Fleming resigned from her position as artistic adviser at large, and the producers of the Broadway musical Hamilton canceled upcoming performances at the Kennedy Center. These departures reflect the ongoing tension between the arts community and the Trump administration’s influence on cultural institutions.