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What Trump Missed at the Kennedy Center

The president may love Les Mis—but he completely misunderstands it.

On Saturday, in response to demonstrations in Los Angeles against his administration’s treatment of immigrants, Trump made an announcement: He was ready to counter the protests with military force. Hugo was suspicious of kings, and for good reason: He completed Les Mis in exile, having opposed the coup that installed Napoleon III to power. The story radiates from a single, consequential moment: Its central figure, Jean Valjean, steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving family.

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