Kennedy Center Honors 2019: Donald Trump skips ceremony third time in a row and Twitter pokes fun at his 'lack of taste'
Paying tribute to icons in the arts, the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors was held at Kennedy Center on December 15. This year, 'Sesame Street', actress Sally Field, musician Michael Tilson Thomas, singer Linda Ronstadt and the band Earth Wind & Fire were honored in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
Much like the last couple of years, US President Donald Trump didn't attend the social evening and many Twitter users took a dig at how he “lacks taste, talent, and an invite.” One user wrote, “@realDonaldTrump has now skipped #KennedyCenterHonors for 3 years running. He lacks taste, talent, and an invite.” Another said, “The coward @realDonaldTrump is again absent from the #KennedyCenterHonors. Doesn’t want to hear the truth about being a #FakePresident and #FakeChristian #impeachment.”
Many were curious if he was the only president who opted out of the distinguished guest list. “I wonder how Trump rationalizes not attending the #KennedyCenterHonors. He’s the only president to never attend. That’s because many artists would boycott.”
“Yet another #KennedyCenterHonors that the US President doesn’t have the courage or respect to attend. Says much. @potus,” one Twitter user said. Another wrote, "As I sit watching the #KennedyCenterHonors, the utter lack of skill, civility and sophistication of our President comes into such sharp focus. @potus @foxandfriends."
Many others were happy that he didn't make it to the event. “Love The Kennedy Center Honors. So glad the evil hater Trump and Morticia stay away. Love this year's honorees! #KennedyCenterHonors,” one post read and another said, “Tough life. @realDonaldTrump can't make it to the #KennedyCenterHonors or military cemeteries but a football game? Almost as good as his #NewYork MMA drop-in.”
Another tweet read, “Is Trump the only PResident who never attended #KennedyCenterHonors? That may be the only considerate thing he's ever done for American ppl.”
While house speaker Nancy Pelosi called the Kennedy Center a "significant venue for the whole country," defense secretary Mark Esper described the Kennedy Center as a "focus for the arts in D.C. and arguably the country."