On June 11, 2025, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made a rare public appearance at the Kennedy Center’s opening night of Les Misérables. Dressed in formal black attire, the couple walked the red carpet hand in hand, drawing significant public and media attention.

This appearance follows Trump’s February appointment as chair of the Kennedy Center after the ousting of Deborah Rutter. He also named Richard Grenell as the new president of the institution.

Online reactions to their outing were sharply divided. Supporters praised Melania’s elegance and the couple’s poise, while critics pointed to their body language and speculated about their relationship.

Regardless of opinion, the event marked a new chapter in Trump’s evolving public role and renewed visibility beyond politics.