Jim Clyburn’s “World Famous Fish Fry” crashed by “Worst President Ever.”

A person wearing a mask in the likeness of U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the fish fry — COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 29: A person wearing a mask in the likeness of U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Rep Jim Clyburn's annual "World Famous Fish Fry" at Edventure Children's Museum on May 29, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. The event originated to thank campaign workers and volunteers and has grown into one of the biggest political events of the year in the early primary state. (Photos by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

When Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear commissioned Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) as a Kentucky Colonel on Friday night in Columbia, SC during the congressman’s 34th annual “World Famous Fish Fry,” Clyburn joked about the possible inclusion of bluegrass state bourbon.

And with that, Beshear, Clyburn and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) left the stage for their short formal program at the annual fish fry. Held on the outdoor veranda at Edventure Children’s Museum, the event overlooked the former Columbia Canal, destroyed in 2015 by the 1,000 year flood.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 29: Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), center, with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), right, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, speaks to a crowd during Clyburn’s annual “World Famous Fish Fry” at Edventure Children’s Museum on May 29, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina.

More than three decades ago, the now “World Famous Fish Fry” began as a way to thank campaign workers and volunteers — growing to include the general public. And as South Carolina continues it’s role in the early primary season, the fish fry serves a path to the White House.

But in tangible form, Jim Clyburn’s World Famous Fish Fry is a party.

(words by Sean Rayford)