By Blessing Nweke

President Donald Trump was met with a mix of cheers and boos on Tuesday night as he attended the opening performance of Chicago at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The production marks one of the final major shows before the iconic venue is set to close this summer for a two-year renovation project backed by Trump. The center is scheduled to shut its doors on July 5, with staff already bracing for layoffs as part of preparations for the closure.

The $250 million renovation plan, approved by a board of Trump appointees, aims to transform the Kennedy Center into what Trump described as “the finest performing arts facility” in the world. However, the project has sparked controversy, particularly after the venue was renamed to include Trump’s name. Several performers responded by canceling planned appearances, citing opposition to the move.

Tuesday’s reception echoed a similar moment in June, when Trump attended a performance of Les Misérables at the same venue. That appearance also drew a divided audience reaction, as protests unfolded across the United States over his administration’s immigration policies and military deployments.

The evening at the Kennedy Center coincided with a legal setback for Trump. Earlier in the day, a federal judge temporarily blocked construction of a proposed White House ballroom, ruling that Trump does not have sole authority over the property and must seek congressional approval.

Despite the mixed reception, Trump’s continued presence at high-profile cultural events underscores his effort to reshape major American institutions during his presidency.