The U.S. Army Chorus recently caused a stir with their performance at the 2025 White House Governors Ball. The event, held on Saturday, February 22, saw the choir singing “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from the iconic 1980 musical Les Misérables. This song, now considered a protest anthem, depicts a social revolution where French proletarians rise against an oppressive monarchy. Notably, both President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were present during the performance. This choice of song raised eyebrows, as some saw it as a subtle critique of the Trump administration, especially following a social media post where Trump referred to himself as “the king.”
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While speculations arose that the Army Chorus intentionally chose the Les Mis number as a form of protest at the Governors Ball, it appears unlikely that the performance was intended to be a direct snub at the current administration. Surprisingly, Trump himself has previously shown an affinity for the song, having incorporated it into his presidential campaigns in both 2016 and 2024. Despite the controversy surrounding the use of the song in a political context, it has been a popular choice for various movements worldwide, including past US presidential campaigns such as those of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
In response to the performance, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino shared a video of the choir on X, expressing appreciation for the evening’s event at the White House. However, Democratic Rep. James P. McGovern of Massachusetts pointed out the irony of using Les Mis—a musical centered around standing up to tyranny—while hosting an event attended by Trump. The juxtaposition did not go unnoticed, with some interpreting it as a subtle message to the President. Nevertheless, conflicting interpretations of the performance continue to circulate, highlighting the complexities of musical choices in political settings.
Interestingly, the original creators of Les Misérables expressed disapproval when Trump previously used the song at a 2016 campaign event in Miami. Producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh and the co-creators issued a statement clarifying that they had not authorized the use of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” for political purposes. Despite this, the song’s universal message has resonated with diverse audiences over the years, becoming a symbol of unity and defiance in various global movements. Thus, the performance at the Governors Ball may have subtly underscored themes of resistance and solidarity, echoing the enduring relevance of Les Misérables in today’s socio-political climate.
While the intentions behind the Army Chorus’ song choice at the White House event remain subject to interpretation, the performance has sparked discussions about the intersection of art, politics, and protest. The enduring power of music to convey messages of resistance and social change is evident in instances like these, where a single song can carry layers of meaning and provoke dialogue. As the debate continues over the significance of musical selections in public settings, the impact of such performances on political discourse underscores the potency of artistic expression in challenging times.