The Kennedy Center kicked off June by continuing on their mission of offering family friendly content for visitors of all ages. The Washington, D.C.-based entertainment venue debuted the Angel Studios hit film, “The King of Kings,” on June 1.

“This animated film is the perfect family experience, and we are thrilled to bring a special viewing to the Kennedy Center,” Ambassador Richard Grenell, President of The John F. Kennedy Center, said in a press release. “When I saw the advertising campaign for ‘The King of Kings,’ I immediately knew we needed to have it come to the Kennedy Center. Coincidentally, I was asked to be on a panel with the CEO of Angel Studios, so I cornered him. This is family-friendly programming that we will be doing more of in the future.”

Jordan Harmon, President of Angel distribution company, added, “The success of the film proves that when you give the audience the power to choose, they’ll elevate stories that matter and that will amplify light to families around the globe. The Kennedy Center has the pulse on art and entertainment that is impacting our culture, and to see this film celebrated there is a victory for faith, family, and the future of storytelling.”

Both shows were completely sold out and the on-site prayer wall was totally full, a rep from the Center confirmed with The Daily Wire. The theater included people of all ages and from all backgrounds applauding the animated film about the life of Jesus.

As of May 22, “The King of Kings” has grossed a total of $66.9 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful bible-based films in history.

Get 40% Off New DailyWire+ Annual Memberships

A synopsis of the film says, “A father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice. The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child.”

Film critics and theatergoers were both effusive with their praise of the film. It currently has a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Trump made headlines earlier this year when he promised to reform the Kennedy Center, which began when he replaced its board and was elected chairman. Trump also tapped Special Envoy Richard Grenell to serve as the Center’s president.

“At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote in February. “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP.”

Accusations of media hypocrisy have erupted over similar hand gestures by tech billionaire Elon Musk and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). Critics argue that the press unfairly targeted Musk while giving Booker a pass.

The debate stems from Musk extending out his right arm after placing his hand over his heart to the crowd during a Inauguration Day rally for President Donald Trump, which some labeled a “Nazi salute” and resulted in breathless news coverage, while Booker’s comparable wave at a recent California Democrats event has drawn far less scrutiny, prompting condemnation from conservative figures and commentators.

Spot The (D)ifference… pic.twitter.com/aPlb173M8S

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 1, 2025

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) chastised the media’s coverage, declaring on X, “The mainstream media is totally corrupt. In January, Democrats and the Left were hyperventilating about this false smear of Elon and the stenographers in the media went to work.”

The mainstream media is totally corrupt.

In January, Democrats and the Left were hyperventilating about this false smear of Elon and the stenographers in the media went to work.

It was the trending news story the morning of my Senate hearing in January and I was asked about… https://t.co/RiinalTvaV

— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) June 1, 2025

The congresswoman recounted being pressed about Musk’s gesture during a Senate hearing in January, calling it “a ridiculous question” from Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT).

“The American people are smart,” Stefanik added. “Neither Elon Musk or [Booker] are giving the Nazi salute. Americans see thru this obvious and destructive double standard by the totally broken media and Democrat Party.”

Conservative communicator Steve Guest echoed the sentiment.

“Will the media respond the same way to Cory Booker waving to the crowd as they did to Elon Musk waving to the crowd or was it all just performative nonsense when Elon did it?” Guest asked.

Get 40% Off New DailyWire+ Annual Memberships

British broadcaster Piers Morgan also sounded off.

“It’s most amusing to watch all the people who branded [Musk] a Nazi now tying themselves in tortured knots trying to explain why Cory Booker isn’t… for doing the EXACT SAME THING. Of course, neither is.. but the hypocrisy stinks,” Morgan said.

The X account Libs of TikTok, run by Chaya Raichik, called out specific news outlets.

One was MSNBC.

Hi @MSNBC, you reported on Elon’s hand gesture and compared him to a n*zi

I was looking for your article on Cory Booker’s salute but I couldn’t find it..

I’m sure you probably just missed this story by mistake…

Here’s the clip. I look forward to your report condemning him. pic.twitter.com/gUXxi3ncdM

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 1, 2025

The Western Lensman account on X highlighted a post from PBS, which the Trump administration has moved to defund over the view that it is spreading “woke propaganda.” PBS has since filed a lawsuit.

Hello, @NewsHour — will you be making a post comparing Cory Booker’s apparent “fascist salute” to the “Sieg Heil?”

Your post about Elon Musk making a very similar gesture amassed over 36M views.

Since you assure US taxpayers that PBS is a non-partisan organization, and all. pic.twitter.com/OPcwtD1Cjv

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) June 1, 2025

Musk responded to several of the posts, criticizing the mainstream media.

In one, Musk said, “They are such hypocrites.” In another, he said, “Legacy media is one big psy op.”

Booker’s team defended the senator, dismissing comparisons to Musk’s wave.

“Cory Booker was obviously just waving to the crowd. Anyone who claims his wave is the same as Elon Musk’s gesture is operating in bad faith. The differences between the two are obvious to anyone without an agenda,” Booker spokesperson Maya Krishna-Rogers told Fox News.