A recent CNN appearance by conservative journalist Brianna Lyman swiftly dismantled the outrage surrounding the decision to add Donald Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center. In a matter of minutes, she exposed a glaring hypocrisy at the heart of the controversy, leaving a powerful impression on viewers.
Lyman’s argument centered on a single, potent point: the widespread renaming of public spaces in 2020 following the death of George Floyd. She challenged the sudden indignation, questioning why the same voices now protesting Trump’s inclusion remained largely silent during a period of extensive and rapid renaming initiatives.
“No one in your party cared in 2020 when you guys were changing names of hospitals, parks, schools, streets, everything in the name of George Floyd,” Lyman stated, highlighting the sheer scale of the previous movement. Wikipedia, she pointed out, maintains an extensive list documenting these changes – a testament to the fervor of the time.
Beyond the hypocrisy of objecting to name changes, Lyman also questioned the genuine affection for the Kennedy Center itself. She described a visit in 2023, revealing a facility in noticeable disrepair. Stained seats and dirty floors painted a picture of neglect, a stark contrast to the current outcry.
Lyman further noted that, prior to recent renovations, the Kennedy Center was plagued by high salaries and a lack of vibrancy. She argued that President Trump’s involvement brought much-needed improvements and accessibility to the arts, suggesting the current concern is less about the name and more about political opposition.
The context of 2020 extends beyond renaming, encompassing the removal and destruction of historical statues. This history makes the current outrage feel manufactured, a convenient target for those seeking a new cause. It’s a pattern of shifting indignation, always searching for the next object of disapproval.
Lyman’s concise and pointed commentary effectively reframed the narrative, exposing a double standard and prompting a reevaluation of the motivations behind the current protests. The incident serves as a reminder of the selective outrage that often dominates public discourse.