On March 13, Vice President JD Vance received a cold reception from the audience at the Kennedy Center, where a chorus of boos erupted upon his arrival. Despite the hostile response, Vance waved awkwardly at the crowd, acknowledging the disapproval directed his way,

Before the National Symphony Orchestra could begin its performance, Vance and his wife, Usha, found themselves at the center of controversy. The Kennedy Center, a premier cultural institution, had already undergone significant changes after former President Donald Trump dismissed its chairman and 13 trustees in February, appointing himself as the new chair. Trump then installed Richard Grenell, a loyal ally and foreign policy adviser, as the interim director. This move alarmed artistic communities, with many fearing the politicization of the venue.