Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, were met with loud boos as they entered the Kennedy Center for a classical concert, multiple sources, including The Guardian, report.
The vice-presidential couple arrived late, and their presence required heightened security screening for attendees, ultimately delaying the concert by 25 minutes. The audience’s frustration was palpable, with many directing their discontent toward the pair as they took their seats.
The backlash likely stems from a controversial move by the Trump administration earlier this year. In February, President Donald Trump fired the chairman and 13 board members of the Kennedy Center, a decision that drew widespread criticism from the arts community. He then appointed himself as chairman and filled the board with new members—including Usha Vance, a lawyer and the wife of the vice president.
Vance, who has been a key political figure in Trump’s second administration, has been actively involved in shaping domestic policy, particularly on economic and immigration issues. Recently, he has pushed for stricter tariffs on Chinese imports and supported legislation aimed at limiting the influence of large tech corporations. He has also played a central role in advancing Trump's agenda on manufacturing revitalization, arguing that aggressive trade policies will restore American industry.
Despite his rising influence within the administration, Vance remains a polarizing figure, particularly among more moderate voters. His presence at the Kennedy Center appears to have symbolized, for many, the broader cultural and political tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s handling of public institutions.
The White House has not yet commented on the reception Vance received at the event.
