Conan O'Brien honoured, Donald Trump roasted at Kennedy Center

Conan O’Brien, beloved talk show host, received the award for lifetime achievement in comedy at the Kennedy Center while acknowledging its uncertain future.

He was announced as the 26th recipient of the Mark Twain prize around mid-January.

The previous month, President Donald Trump dissolved the board of directors at the Kennedy Center and named himself the Chairman. The news board includes political allies including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, longtime senior Trump aide Dan Scavino, second lady Usha Vance and Fox News host Laura Ingraham.

Stating how Twain’s life and career speaks to the current climate in the country, he added, "Twain hated bullies. ... He punched up, not down, and he deeply empathized with the weak. Twain loved America, but he knew it was deeply flawed."

About the uncertainty surrounding the center, comedian Nikki Glaser said on the red carpet, "I think it would be insane not to address the elephant in the room. It's in the air tonight. This night is about Conan, but it can be both."

Comedians like Stephen Colbert, John Mulaney and Sarah Silverman went on to roast the President in detail throughout the night, while maintaining the humour.