Watch: JD Vance Has Perfect Response as DC Elites Jeer Him at Kennedy Center Theater

Washington, D.C.'s political elite once again showcased their lack of decorum by jeering Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha, during a National Symphony Orchestra performance at the Kennedy Center on Thursday night.

Andrew Roth of The Guardian recorded the incident and shared it on social media.

Despite the cold reception, the vice president remained composed, offering a polite smile and a wave to the disapproving crowd.

Usha Vance, who was recently appointed by Trump to the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, leaned toward her husband, said something with a smile, and then laughed.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, she previously served on the board of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 2020 to 2022, reflecting her passion for classical music.

The New York Times detailed the evening’s program, reporting that the Kennedy Center audience listened to “Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 2, with Leonidas Kavakos as the soloist. After an intermission, the orchestra played Stravinsky’s ‘Petrushka.’”

The National Symphony Orchestra is world-famous, often performing at major events such as Memorial Day and July 4 concerts on the National Mall.

The Vances simply sought to enjoy an evening out, but the D.C. establishment couldn’t resist making a political spectacle. Even those who oppose Vance’s policies could have shown respect for the office by refraining from such behavior.

Naturally, Washington is one of the most Democratic-leaning areas in the country.

In the last election, district voters supported Democrat Kamala Harris over Republican Donald Trump by a staggering margin of 93 to 7 percent.

The Trump administration has also disrupted a key pillar of the Democratic machine—excessive government spending—through initiatives led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.

Some social media users saw the situation for what it was, including conservative influencer “amuse,” who commented on X: “PARTISANSHIP: The Democrats treated the Kennedy Center as their own private cultural center. They hired their friends to run it and we weren’t welcome. Proof, when JD Vance and his wife walked in the crowd erupted in boos.”

Another user added, “This is in poor taste. He is with his wife, and just days ago, he and his 3-year-old daughter faced jeers from protestors. The election is over, and what we’re seeing now is essentially Trump 2.0 alongside the rise of DOGE. This situation is driving them to madness; they no longer are in control.”

Both The New York Times and USA Today linked the audience’s reaction to Trump’s recent decision to appoint himself chairman of the Kennedy Center while removing 18 Democratic appointees from the board of trustees.

Trump also named Richard Grenell, former acting director of national intelligence and ambassador to Germany, as the Kennedy Center’s interim director.

Explaining his decision on Truth Social, Trump stated, “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 …

“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP. 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!” he continued.

Grenell also reacted to the audience’s behavior toward the Vances, posting on X, “It troubles me to see that so many in the audience appear to be white and intolerant of diverse political views. Diversity is our strength.

“We must do better. We must welcome EVERYONE. We will not allow the Kennedy Center to be an intolerant place.”

Grenell’s remark carried a subtle but pointed tone—if Washington prides itself on being a beacon of tolerance and liberal values, why can’t it extend that courtesy to those with differing political beliefs?

The takeaway? Well played. Democrats should learn to act with grace and maturity.