At least ten Les Misérables cast members plan to boycott a Kennedy Center performance attended by President Trump. This follows Trump’s controversial takeover of the Kennedy Center, including the firing of Biden-appointed board members and plans to reshape its programming towards a more conservative vision. The boycott, particularly impactful given Trump’s professed love for the musical, highlights the ongoing tension between Trump’s agenda and the artistic community. The cast’s decision to not perform underscores the deep division stemming from Trump’s actions at the Kennedy Center. This incident follows previous resignations and cancellations in protest of Trump’s leadership.
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A protest against Vladimir Putin took place in central Moscow when a man leaped from the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge into the Moscow River. The protester displayed a sign comparing Putin to Hitler, including a swastika. He appeared to stage his jump to resemble a corpse floating in the water. Emergency responders swiftly rescued the individual from the river.
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Nationwide May Day protests, organized by a coalition of groups including the 50501 movement and labor unions, targeted the Trump administration and its billionaire supporters, such as Elon Musk. Thousands participated in rallies and marches across the U.S. and internationally, protesting policies perceived as harmful to workers and marginalized communities. Key issues included cuts to federal jobs and social programs, attacks on immigrant rights, and the undue influence of wealth on politics. Prominent figures like Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders addressed protesters, emphasizing the growing economic inequality and the need for systemic change.
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Reverend William Barber, a prominent progressive activist, was arrested at the US Capitol for praying with others in protest of federal budget cuts impacting vulnerable populations. This arrest, following the establishment of a Justice Department task force addressing anti-Christian bias, highlights the increasing tension surrounding political activism and religious expression. The Capitol Police cited “crowding, obstructing, and incommoding” as the reason for the arrests, while Barber framed the incident as a suppression of prayer and dissent. Barber’s activism spans over a decade, focusing on issues such as voting rights, minimum wage, and healthcare access.
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On April 19, 2025, the “No Kings!” protests, organized by the 50501 movement, saw demonstrations in 50 states, marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. These protests, following the April 5th “Hands Off!” demonstrations, targeted President Trump’s policies and those of Elon Musk’s DOGE task force. Concerns ranged from government overreach and ICE actions to economic policies and the erosion of democratic principles. Participants expressed deep anxieties about the future of American liberty.
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John Q. Hosedrinker