Trump doesn't know if he's the hero or villain in 'Les Mis.' How ironic. | Opinion
Sending the military in to quell protests is more aligned with the French monarchy than the revolutionaries.
On June 11, President Donald Trump appeared at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the opening night of “Les Misérables.” If you’re at all familiar with the musical, you’ll understand why that’s so ironic.
Trump staged a hostile takeover of the Kennedy Center back in February, changing up the board and making himself chairman of the iconic performing arts venue. It led several artists to cancel performances. According to The New York Times, some “Les Misérables” cast members had considered boycotting the Wednesday performance that kicked off the summer 2025 season.
The president, oblivious as always, says the show is “great.” Ever the musical theater fan, he has used one of the most recognizable songs from “Les Mis” at multiple rallies over the years. You know, the one the cast sings on the eve of revolting against the monarchy?
Surely the man who has inspired nationwide “No Kings Day” protests understands how laughable that is.
Does Trump identify with hero or villain of 'Les Mis'? He doesn't know.
If you’re unfamiliar with the musical, let me give you a rundown.
Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, the story follows Jean Valjean after he leaves prison for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving relatives. After an interaction with a priest, he is inspired to live a better life, which includes adopting and raising a child named Cosette after her mother dies.
The musical is set during a French revolution that culminates in the 1832 June Rebellion, where a group of student revolutionaries known as the Friends of the ABC try to lead the city into revolt. These are the students Republican leaders would want to deport.
Apparently, despite his love of the musical, Trump doesn’t know if he’s the hero or villain of this story. He told The Washington Post he wasn’t sure if he identified more with Valjean or Javert, the prison guard turned inspector who is obsessed with bringing Valjean to justice.
It’s an ironically indecisive thing to say, considering he has sent military troops to Los Angeles to quell protests against raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and has spent much of the past few months raging against students protesting for Palestine.
It's hard to picture Trump as the hero of this story. That would require him learning how to be a more caring person over time. Given his rhetoric on immigrants, trans people and basically anyone who disagrees with him, I doubt he's experienced that kind of transformation.
Imagine treating immigrants like they stole bread
Art has always been part of protest and resistance. The theater is no exception.
These forms of expression can also be used as propaganda. With Trump's declaration that the Kennedy Center's "woke" programming is done for, it seems that only tolerable art will make it through the vetting process.
Somehow, "Les Mis" slipped through the cracks, likely because Trump actually likes the musical.
If Trump actually paid attention to the songs and themes of "Les Mis," maybe he'd realize that his desire to lay down the law is more aligned with Javert than anyone else in the show.
Maybe he'd realize that sending the military to quell protests is more aligned with the actions of the French monarchy than those of the revolutionaries.
Maybe he'd realize that he has more in common with the monarchy than the people.
Probably not. But maybe.
Follow Paste BN columnist Sara Pequeño on X, formerly Twitter, @sara__pequeno