Trump Attends Opening Night of 'Chicago' at Kennedy Center

President's visit comes amid renovations and controversy surrounding the performing arts institution.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:37pm

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President Donald Trump attended the opening night performance of the musical 'Chicago' at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. The visit marks one of Trump's last appearances at the venue before it closes for renovations in July, following a wave of cancellations by performers upset over the president's influence at the institution.

Why it matters

Trump's attendance at the Kennedy Center has been a source of controversy, with the president wielding significant influence over the venue's leadership and programming since returning to office in 2025. The planned closure and name change of the institution have also prompted legal challenges.

The details

Set in the 1920s, 'Chicago' is a satirical musical about how the media and show business can turn criminals into celebrities. Trump attended the opening night performance alongside First Lady Melania Trump, their first joint appearance at the Kennedy Center since the premiere of a documentary about the first lady in January. The president has been a fixture at past Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) events, but did not attend this year's conference, citing scheduling conflicts related to the war in Iran and other pressing matters.

  • Trump attended the opening night performance of 'Chicago' on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The Kennedy Center will close for renovations in July 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 47th President of the United States, who has wielded significant influence over the Kennedy Center since returning to office in 2025.

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who attended the opening night performance of 'Chicago' with her husband.

Kennedy Center

The performing arts institution in Washington, D.C. that will close for renovations in July 2026, following a wave of cancellations by leading performers, musicians, and groups upset over Trump's influence at the venue.

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What they’re saying

“It was just simply for scheduling purposes this year, with it being in Texas, it was best for the president's schedule and what he has on his plate right now not to go.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

What’s next

The Kennedy Center will award the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to comedian Bill Maher on June 28, 2026, an event that President Trump could also attend.

The takeaway

Trump's attendance at the Kennedy Center opening night performance of 'Chicago' highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the president's influence over the storied performing arts institution, which has faced challenges and legal proceedings related to its planned closure and name change.