Music from Voight’s 1969 film “Midnight Cowboy” played in the East Room when the 80-year-old Oscar winner rose from his chair to provide an impromptu shuffle that earned a fist pump and a finger point from Trump.
“I love having you here, especially since you are someone I really like,” Trump said, per USA Today.
The Los Angeles Times called the dance a “cringeworthy interlude,” and some people on social media agreed wholeheartedly.
“A clown dancing for a clown,” one Twitter user wrote.
Singer Alison Krauss and novelist James Patterson were also among the honorees.
Here’s a deliverance of dance disses aimed at Oscar winner Voight, who perhaps thought he was coming home to the White House:
A clown dancing for a clown… I used to respect Jon and the White House … how times have changed
— LisaD (@yepbob30) November 22, 2019
Embarrassing. No wonder his daughter wants nothing to do with him.
— Curly CarlaT (@CurlyCarlaT) November 22, 2019
😬 “An impromptu dance break from actor and vocal Trump supporter Jon Voight made for a cringe-worthy interlude during Thursday’s National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal ceremony at the White House.” https://t.co/MBOLnzzIHZ
— Anousha (@anoushasakoui) November 22, 2019
Tonight I learned I can be embarrassed for someone I hate.
— Alicia M. 🌊❄ (@ShopgirlAlic) November 22, 2019