Nikki Glaser’s Fears About Political Jokes Under Trump Spark Cultural Debate

The comedian’s remarks at the Mark Twain Prize ceremony highlight tensions over free speech and Trump’s influence on cultural institutions.

Nikki Glaser expressed concerns about potential backlash, including detention, for making political jokes during Donald Trump’s second term.
Her comments at the Mark Twain Prize ceremony honoring Conan O’Brien have drawn mixed reactions, with some dismissing her fears as exaggerated.
Donald Trump recently appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center, pledging to remove 'woke' influences and reshape the institution’s direction.
Other comedians at the event, including John Mulaney and Will Ferrell, openly mocked Trump without expressing similar concerns about potential repercussions.
Conan O’Brien indirectly critiqued Trump in his acceptance speech by praising Mark Twain’s opposition to populism, hypocrisy, and authoritarianism.