Hollywood Attacks Trump Again
The Kennedy Center lit up Sunday night for the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, but instead of focusing solely on honoree Conan O’Brien, Hollywood celebrities used the stage to take repeated jabs at President Donald Trump and his recent leadership changes at the famed arts institution.
Trump Reshapes the Kennedy Center: A Bold Move Against Woke Culture
Last month, President Trump made headlines after announcing a major overhaul of the Kennedy Center’s leadership. In a move celebrated by many conservatives, Trump removed several board members and appointed himself as chairman, citing concerns about the center being “too woke” and politically biased.
For Americans concerned about liberal overreach in the arts, the President’s decision was a long-overdue correction.
Conan O’Brien Receives Mark Twain Prize Amidst Political Undertones
Despite being named the 26th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize before the leadership shake-up, O’Brien and his celebrity peers couldn’t resist turning the night into a subtle roast of Trump’s efforts.
Speaking on the red carpet before the ceremony — which premieres May 4 on Netflix — O’Brien made light of Trump’s new role. “Apparently, the Kennedy Center is now his top priority,” the 61-year-old joked. While meant to be humorous, the comments echoed a broader theme of Hollywood dismissiveness toward conservative leadership.
Hollywood Elites Mock Trump Without Saying His Name
Comedian Sarah Silverman delivered one of the night’s most controversial lines, telling O’Brien, “I miss the days when you were America’s only orange a‑‑hole,” clearly referencing President Trump.
Stephen Colbert, host of CBS’s “The Late Show,” continued the political potshots, joking that the wings he was eating were “all right wings” in reference to the Kennedy Center’s new leadership.
Even David Letterman joined the chorus, calling the event “the most entertaining gathering of the resistance ever.”
A Night of Comedy Turned Political Commentary
While the Mark Twain Prize is meant to honor contributions to American humor, much of the evening was used to critique Trump’s involvement with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The event saw fewer entertainers on the red carpet than usual, but plenty of liberal celebrities flew into Washington to support O’Brien and push back on Trump’s reforms.
Former staff and leaders like David Rubenstein and Deborah Rutter — both dismissed in Trump’s overhaul — received loud applause when mentioned during O’Brien’s speech.
O’Brien’s Speech: Patriotism, Twain, and a Subtle Dig at Populism
In his acceptance speech, Conan O’Brien paid tribute to Mark Twain, emphasizing Twain’s distaste for “bullies” and “mindless American self-importance.” O’Brien quoted Twain: “Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
He concluded by celebrating comedy as a tool for unity, though the night itself suggested more division than common ground.
Final Act: Music, Laughter, and a Message from the Left
The evening closed with O’Brien, alongside Adam Sandler, performing Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” — a song often co-opted for political statements. Surrounding them onstage were dancing Mark Twain look-alikes, adding a surreal final image to a night that blurred the line between entertainment and political theater.
A Conservative Takeaway: Fighting Back Against Bias in the Arts
For many Americans, Trump’s leadership at the Kennedy Center signals a return to balance and accountability in the world of culture and entertainment. Institutions like this should celebrate American excellence, not serve as platforms for veiled political attacks on half the country.
As Hollywood elites mocked from the stage, millions of Americans watching at home were reminded why free speech, traditional values, and cultural fairness matter more than ever.
Stay informed. Share this article with fellow patriots who believe in defending American values — both on stage and off.
