On a chilly evening at the Kennedy Center, the audience made their displeasure known as they booed Vice President JD Vance. Despite the loud discontent, Vance awkwardly acknowledged his critics with a wave.
Before the orchestra started playing, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, received a rather frosty greeting from the crowd. The Kennedy Center, recently under the influence of Donald Trump, echoed with boos that filled the hall.
In February, Trump had taken control of the Kennedy Center’s leadership by removing the board’s chairman and 13 trustees, establishing himself as the new chair. He appointed Richard Grenell, a fervent supporter and foreign policy advisor, as interim director. This change stirred up quite the controversy in the arts community, as many feared political intervention in one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions.
“We’ve gained control over the Kennedy Center,” proclaimed Trump, who after the takeover decided to cancel a total of 20 events scheduled at the venue. He justified his actions by stating, “We didn’t agree with what they were presenting. We’re going to ensure it’s all top-quality and devoid of any ‘woke’ influence. No more wokeness in this country.”
Trump’s clarification of “no more woke” implied the absence of “drag performances or any anti-American propaganda — only the finest.” He shared this sentiment on Truth Social in a post dated February 20.
Concert Begins, But With a Delay
On March 13, attendees of the Kennedy Center eagerly awaited the National Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 2, later followed by Stravinsky’s “Petrushka.” However, heightened security measures postponed the concert’s start by an unexpected 25 minutes.
As Vance’s motorcade arrived, attendees underwent thorough Secret Service screenings, a disruption unheard of in a place known for its smooth and uninterrupted musical showcases.
Before the venue dimmed its lights, Vance, age 40, and his wife Usha took seats at an isolated second-floor balcony, accompanied by a small group of agents.
And, unsurprisingly, Vance was noticed right away.
Comments from the Audience
Andrew Roth, a global affairs correspondent with a sharp eye, spotted the vice president and posted a video. Within 24 hours, the video had garnered more than 1.3 million views on X.
Instead of the customary applause or subdued acknowledgment, Vance was greeted with loud disapproval across the concert hall.
The concertgoers’ booing and jeering were a significant deviation from the usual decorous behavior expected at a symphonic event.
As Vance settled into his seat, one man audibly yelled “Boo!” while a woman reacted with surprise.
Sources like the Guardian reported someone shouted, “You ruined this place,” though it wasn’t discernible in the hall’s video with its exceptional acoustics.
Once the audience grew aware of Vance’s presence, their discord became even more pronounced, echoing louder and with unity.
Yet, Vance appeared indifferent to the disdain, sipping wine and smiling while exchanging words with his wife, then waving to his detractors below.
Online Reactions
The viral video quickly prompted various reactions online.
Boos for JD Vance as he enters tonight’s concert at the Kennedy Center pic.twitter.com/IWTsJUWjCR
— Andrew Roth (@Andrew__Roth) March 13, 2025
One user criticized the boos, suggesting “Vice President Vance deserves respect, it is earned.” Another mentioned, “These concertgoers must grow up, bringing back institutions for the mentally unstable is necessary.”
A neutral comment noted, “Imagine being booed by a crowd of seniors. This level of universal disdain is surprising, especially just seven weeks in.” The video showed Vance being booed at the Kennedy Center concert.
Other netizens supported the audience’s reaction, proposing that Vance “should face booing wherever he makes an appearance.”
One remark encouraged, “JD Vance deserves this feedback. Well done, America!”
Another added, “The Vice President being delighted with boos is troubling. There was a time when public outrage meant something… Now? It’s turned into entertainment.”
A user mocked, “Trump might soon brand the Kennedy Center audience as domestic terrorists.”
Renell responded to the criticism and denounced the audience’s “intolerance.”
He expressed concern, stating, “I’m troubled by the lack of tolerance for diverse opinions demonstrated by mostly white attendees. We must celebrate diversity. The Kennedy Center should welcome everyone.”
For Vance, this moment highlighted the trials that come with high-profile political positions. And for the Kennedy Center, it marked another instance in the ongoing debate intertwining politics with arts and culture.
We’re eager to hear your thoughts on Vance’s experience at the Kennedy Center! Share this story and let’s gather more opinions!
