Videos of JD Vance Being Booed at Kennedy Center Go Viral

Clips of Vice President JD Vance getting booed as he took his seat at a National Symphony Orchestra concert have gone viral.

Newsweek has contacted Vance, via email, for comment.

Why It Matters

Vance struggled in public opinion polls at the beginning of the election but he has seen a steady improvement since—he currently has a popularity rating of 44.8 percent, according to YouGov.

The booing at the Kennedy Center comes after President Donald Trump fired most of its board of trustees and named himself chairman. This takeover of the Kennedy Center has sent ripples through the arts community. At least three leaders have resigned in the wake of Trump's chairmanship.

What To Know

The vice president arrived at the Kennedy Center on Thursday evening to an eruption of boos from other members of the audience.

Vance did not seem too bothered about the reaction, as he ignored it to sip his wine and speak to his wife Usha. At one point he smiled and waved at the crowd.

Not everyone was unhappy to see Vance—one person could be seen seemingly waving back at Vance and some whistles were heard amidst the booing.

A video of the incident was posted by The Guardian's global affairs correspondent for Washington, Andrew Roth, which now has more than a million views.

What Is the Kennedy Center?

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was opened in 1971, by then-President Richard Nixon, in tribute to JFK, a lifelong advocate for the arts before his assassination.

Serving as the United States' national cultural center, in Washington, D.C. it is one of the country's premier destinations for the performing arts, featuring a wide range of performances, including theater, ballet, music, and opera.

The Kennedy Center offers educational programs and hosts the annual Kennedy Center Honors to celebrate significant contributions to the arts in America.

Last month, Trump announced he was firing most of the board of trustees for the Kennedy Center, and naming himself chairman. Trump said he will be in charge of programming at the national cultural center going forward.

One major change he promised was that he planned to put an end to drag shows.

"Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP," he wrote on Truth Social.

What People Are Saying

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on February 7: "At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture."

He added: "The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!"

What Happens Next

The effects of Trump and Vance's policies on public opinion of them is yet to be seen.