In a characteristically evasive and boastful interaction, former US President Donald Trump recently sidestepped a direct question about who features on his so-called "naughty list." When pressed by a reporter, Trump humorously declared the list was "long" but refused to divulge names, warning it could "start a problem out there in the world." He swiftly pivoted to lauding the United States as "the hottest country in the world," contrasting it with being "a dead country" a year ago.
The 'Hall of Shame' and the Guessing Game
This cryptic reference to a "naughty list" comes against the backdrop of the White House launching a new web portal named the 'Offender Hall of Shame'. This platform aims to publicly catalogue media reports it deems inaccurate, listing story links, news outlets, and journalists. Articles are tagged with categories like 'misrepresentation', 'bias', 'false claim', and even 'left-wing lunacy.' Following Trump's comments, internet users speculated wildly about the list's contents, with the name of Democratic figure Adam Schiff emerging as a frequent guess among online commentators.
A Historic and Controversial Hosting Role
Amid this media-focused turmoil, Donald Trump carved a unique place in history over the weekend. On Sunday, he became the first sitting US president ever to host the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. This move followed significant upheaval within the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where Trump had removed its president and much of the governing body, installing himself as chairman after returning to office in January.
The center, named after a Democratic predecessor, has become a touchstone in Trump's broader campaign against what he labels "woke" anti-American culture. At a State Department dinner for the honorees on Saturday, Trump claimed he agreed to host the ceremony "at the request of a certain television network." He confidently predicted the broadcast, scheduled for December 23 on CBS and Paramount+, would achieve its best ratings ever.
Stars React to the Honors
Trump assumed a role traditionally filled by prominent journalists and comedians, breaking the precedent of presidents merely attending as guests. He had skipped the event entirely during his first term. The 2023 honorees, recognized for their profound impact on American culture, included iconic figures across entertainment.
Sylvester Stallone (honored for his Rocky and Rambo films) described the experience as being in the "eye of a hurricane," calling it "amazing" but overwhelming. Gloria Gaynor, famed for the anthem "I Will Survive," said the recognition felt "like a dream" and was "the pinnacle." Michael Crawford, the Tony Award-winning actor, found the honor "humbling, especially at the end of a career." The celebrated class also included the rock band Kiss, and country music superstar George Strait.
The event underscored the ongoing cultural clashes defining the political landscape, with Trump positioning himself simultaneously as a critic of the media establishment and a celebrant of American artistic achievement, all while keeping his "naughty list" close to the chest.
