On March 13, Vice President JD Vance received a cold reception from the audience at the Kennedy Center, where a chorus of boos erupted upon his arrival. Despite the hostile response, Vance waved awkwardly at the crowd, acknowledging the disapproval directed his way.
Before the National Symphony Orchestra could begin its performance, Vance and his wife, Usha, found themselves at the center of controversy. The Kennedy Center, a premier cultural institution, had already undergone significant changes after former President Donald Trump dismissed its chairman and 13 trustees in February, appointing himself as the new chair. Trump then installed Richard Grenell, a loyal ally and foreign policy adviser, as the interim director. This move alarmed artistic communities, with many fearing the politicization of the venue.
Trump openly discussed his takeover of the Kennedy Center, justifying it as an effort to reshape its programming. “So we took over the Kennedy Center,” he declared. “We didn’t like what they were showing and various other things. We’re going to make sure that it’s good and it’s not going to be woke. There’s no more woke in this country.” He further elaborated on his stance in a Truth Social post, stating: “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA – ONLY THE BEST.”
On the night of Vance’s visit, audience members eagerly anticipated performances of Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and Stravinsky’s Petrushka. However, heightened security measures caused an unexpected delay of 25 minutes. Guests were subjected to full Secret Service screenings as Vance’s motorcade arrived, an unusual disruption for a venue known for its seamless performances.
Once inside, Vance and Usha were ushered to an empty second-floor balcony, accompanied by a handful of Secret Service agents. Their presence did not go unnoticed. Andrew Roth, a global affairs correspondent for The Guardian, quickly identified the vice president and captured a video of the audience’s reaction. The moment the crowd spotted Vance, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.
What began as murmurs of recognition swiftly escalated into a wave of disapproval. Booing echoed throughout the hall, disrupting the usual air of refinement associated with classical music audiences. One man’s distinct “Boo!” was followed by a woman’s audible expletive. Some reports even suggested an audience member shouted, “You ruined this place,” though the comment was not distinctly captured in the video.
As the discontent spread, the collective booing grew louder. Vance, however, appeared unfazed. He calmly sipped his wine, waved to the audience below, and turned to chat with his wife, seemingly indifferent to the hostility.
The viral clip of the incident quickly ignited debate online. Some condemned the audience’s behavior, arguing that the vice president deserved respect regardless of political views. “What horrible behavior! Vice President Vance deserves respect, he has earned it,” one user wrote. Another expressed frustration, stating, “These people have the brains of children… make insane asylums great again.”
Others, however, celebrated the moment, calling it a justified expression of public frustration. “Booed by boomers. Can’t recall ever seeing such widespread disdain, let alone just seven weeks in,” wrote one observer. Another comment declared, “[JD Vance] getting the respect that’s owed to him. Bravo, America!”
For some, the incident highlighted a concerning shift in political culture. “It’s genuinely disgusting that the Vice President of the U.S. is giddy over being booed. There was a time when politicians actually cared about public outrage… Now? It’s a game,” a Twitter user remarked. Another joked, “Trump will now declare the Kennedy Center audience are domestic terrorists.”
In response to the backlash, Richard Grenell, the Kennedy Center’s new president, condemned the audience’s reaction, calling it “intolerant.” He tweeted, “It troubles me to see that so many in the audience appear to be white and intolerant of diverse political views. Diversity is our strength. We must do better. We must welcome EVERYONE. We will not allow the Kennedy Center to be an intolerant place.”
For Vance, the incident highlighted the scrutiny and challenges that come with holding one of the most politically charged roles in the nation. For the Kennedy Center, it marked another chapter in the ongoing debate over the intersection of politics and the arts.
What do you think about the reaction Vance received? Was it justified or an example of intolerance? Let us know your thoughts and share this story to hear from others!