President Trump Hosts 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, Breaks Traditional Role

In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump hosted the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors on December 7, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. This marked the first time a sitting U.S. president has taken on the role of host for the esteemed event, traditionally led by prominent cultural figures.

The 2025 honorees included actor Sylvester Stallone, rock band KISS, singer Gloria Gaynor, country music star George Strait, and stage actor Michael Crawford. President Trump praised the group as "the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center honorees ever assembled."

President Trump's involvement extended beyond hosting; he was actively engaged in selecting the honorees. In August, he stated he was "about 98% involved" in the selection process and rejected nominees he deemed "too woke." This hands-on approach reflects his administration's broader cultural agenda and marks a departure from the traditional, more passive presidential role in the Honors.

The ceremony itself deviated from past practices. Traditionally, the president and first lady observe from the presidential box, but this year, President Trump took center stage, introducing each honoree and delivering remarks throughout the evening. He expressed confidence in the event's success, predicting it would be "the highest-rated show that they've ever done."

The honorees, each with significant contributions to American culture, were celebrated for their achievements:

• Sylvester Stallone: Renowned for his roles in the "Rocky" and "Rambo" film series, Stallone's films have grossed over $7.5 billion worldwide.
• KISS: Formed in 1973, the rock band has sold more than 100 million records globally and is known for their elaborate stage performances.
• Gloria Gaynor: Best known for her 1978 hit "I Will Survive," Gaynor's music has become anthemic in the disco genre.
• George Strait: Dubbed the "King of Country," Strait has sold over 120 million records and has 60 number-one hits.
• Michael Crawford: Celebrated for his role in "The Phantom of the Opera," Crawford's performance earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

The event also featured notable performances and tributes, including a special moment honoring late KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. Several honorees appeared emotionally touched during the ceremony.

President Trump's active role in the Kennedy Center Honors is part of a broader pattern of influence over the institution. Since retaking office in January 2025, he has replaced the center's board with Republican allies, appointed himself as chairman, and overseen significant renovations. He has also exerted influence over the selection of honorees and event programming, aiming to align the center's activities with his administration's cultural perspectives.

The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on December 23, 2025.

President Trump's unprecedented involvement in the Kennedy Center Honors has sparked discussions about the intersection of politics and the arts, reflecting broader trends of political influence in cultural events.