US President Donald Trump was greeted with a loud mix of boos and cheers as he took his seat for his first production at the Kennedy Centre, the performing arts facility he has subjected to a conservative takeover.

The mixed reception for Trump and his wife Melania as they arrived in the presidential box before a performance of Les Miserables on Wednesday (local time) reflected the heightened emotions unleashed by his overhaul of the cultural centre.

Trump has pushed out its former chairman, fired its long-time president and pledged to overhaul an institution that he criticised as too liberal.

The Washington DC centre, a leading US arts facility, had long enjoyed bipartisan support.

Ticket sales have fallen since and some shows, including the hit Hamilton, have cancelled runs at the 2300-seat theatre.

At Wednesday’s performance, drag queens in full regalia sat in the audience, likely in response to Trump’s criticism of the venue for hosting drag shows. One person shouted “Viva Los Angeles” as Trump stepped out of the presidential box at the intermission.

He has sent military troops to quell protests against his immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Trump’s appearance was meant to boost fundraising for the John F Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, and he said donors raised more than $US10 million ($A15 million).

“We’re going to make it incredible. We have all the funding. We raised a lot tonight, and we’ll put in a lot of money to bring it back to the highest level,” the tuxedo-clad President said after other administration officials arrived on the red carpet.

Still, overall year-on-year subscription revenue was down 36 per cent to $US2.8 million as of early June for next season, which begins in the autumn, according to a person briefed on the data.

The centre is under the leadership of Ric Grenell, a close Trump ally and former ambassador to Germany.

He has sought to add more conservative-leaning programming, including a show that Grenell has described as a celebration of the birth of Christ.

Trump said he particularly enjoyed Les Miserables, a musical about citizens rising up against their government.

“I’ve seen it many times – it’s one of my favourites,” he said.

Along with the first lady, Vice-President JD Vance, Attorney-General Pam Bondi and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also attended.

–Reuters