UPDATE: In a historic first, President Donald Trump is set to host the Kennedy Center Honors tonight, marking a significant shift in tradition as presidents typically observe from the audience. The ceremony is poised to be a star-studded celebration of the arts, featuring honorees like actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the iconic rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford.
Earlier today, President Trump presented the 2025 honorees with their medals in the Oval Office, asserting that this group represents “the most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled. “I know most of them and I’ve been a fan of all of them,” he declared. This year’s event is particularly poignant, as it coincides with the recent passing of Kiss’s original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, who died in October.
Trump stated that he wanted to be himself during the event, referencing past television legends like Johnny Carson and Bob Hope as inspiration. “You have to be yourself,” he emphasized, adding, “I have a good memory, so I can remember things, which is very fortunate.”
The ceremony, airing on December 23, 2025, on CBS and Paramount+, is expected to draw significant viewership, with Trump predicting it will achieve its best ratings ever. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, among other officials, expressed enthusiasm for Trump’s hosting debut, noting, “Oh, this president, he is so relaxed in front of these cameras, and so funny.”
This year’s recipients reflect a diverse array of talents and contributions to American culture. Sylvester Stallone is honored for his work in the “Rocky” and “Rambo” franchises, while Gaynor is recognized for her powerful anthem, “I Will Survive.” Kiss is celebrated for their groundbreaking performances, characterized by theatrical elements that have defined their brand for decades.
The emotional weight of the evening is not lost on the honorees. Stallone shared, “This is an amazing event…it’s hard to take it in until the next day…but I’m incredibly humbled by it.” Meanwhile, Gaynor described receiving the honor as “the pinnacle” of her career, stating that it “feels like a dream.”
However, Trump’s involvement in the Kennedy Center also reflects a broader political narrative. Since taking office, he has made waves by reshaping the center’s leadership and board, aligning it more closely with his administration. Critics have noted that he has dismissed certain recommendations for honorees as “too woke,” further stirring the pot of political division within the arts community.
As the ceremony unfolds, all eyes will be on how Trump balances his hosting duties amid the varied political sentiments of the honorees. With the backdrop of past conflicts between the arts community and his administration, this event could signal a new chapter in presidential engagement with the arts.
As the clock ticks down to the ceremony, fans and critics alike eagerly await to see how this unprecedented hosting role will unfold and what it means for the future of the Kennedy Center Honors.