U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance faced loud boos at Washington’s Kennedy Center on March 13, 2025, as he attended a National Symphony Orchestra performance.
The J.D. Vance booed incident followed President Trump’s controversial takeover as chairman of the iconic venue.
TMZ footage shows Vance entering his box with Usha Vance, greeted by escalating boos and a shout of “Kill that light!” The 30-second jeering didn’t faze him, he grinned and waved. The backlash ties to Trump’s February appointment, sparking outrage over his “anti-woke” agenda for the center.
J.D. Vance Viciously Booed at Kennedy Center Following Trump's Takeover | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/mTUbT8IxHK
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 14, 2025Trump, who admitted never attending a show there, became chairman on February 12, ousting David M. Rubenstein and Deborah F. Rutter. He replaced Biden appointees with allies, including Usha Vance. Critics, like Issa Rae and Shonda Rhimes, have boycotted or resigned, with Hamilton pulling its 2026 run.
Boos for JD Vance as he enters tonight’s concert at the Kennedy Center pic.twitter.com/IWTsJUWjCR
— Andrew Roth (@Andrew__Roth) March 13, 2025Vance watched soloist Leonidas Kavakos with the symphony, a Kennedy Center staple since 1971. The J.D. Vance booed moment underscores tensions over Trump’s influence, as celebrities and patrons push back against the new direction.
The J.D. Vance booed episode highlights broader cultural clashes at the Kennedy Center. As Trump’s changes stir controversy, the incident reflects public discontent with his leadership shift.
