Some cast members of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center has announced they will not perform at a private White House event scheduled for June 11, where President Trump is expected to attend.

This is not just a scheduling decision — they are doing it out of protest.

The performers are standing up for their values, using their platform to send a message about democracy, equality, and the power of art in the face of political division.

As CNN reports, "the boycott follows Trump’s decision to effectively take control of the Kennedy Center as part of a widespread effort his administration has undertaken to bend American institutions – including cultural, legal and educational pillars – to the president’s will".

the cast was given the option to not perform the night Trump will be in the audience, and both major cast members and members of the ensemble are among those sitting out, according to the sources.

Now, they’re facing political backlash. Some conservative voices are already calling for funding cuts to the arts and criticizing the cast’s refusal as unpatriotic or disrespectful.

But protest is patriotic — and art has always been a space for speaking truth to power.

This petition is to show public support Les Misérables cast and affirm their right to peacefully protest.

Reject any attempt to punish artists or institutions for their political choices.
Defend federal arts funding from retaliation tied to free expression.

This moment isn’t just about one performance — it’s about protecting the right of artists everywhere to stand by their principles.