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Washington, D.C. – December 8, 2025
In a historic first, President Donald Trump took center stage as host of the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday night, personally celebrating a lineup of American pop-culture giants he helped select: Sylvester Stallone, the rock band Kiss, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford, and George Strait.
Breaking decades of tradition, Trump did not simply watch from the presidential box—he commanded the Opera House stage three times, delivered opening and closing remarks, and starred in prerecorded video introductions for each honoree. “Billions and billions of people have watched them over the years,” Trump declared to a glittering audience of politicians, donors, and celebrities. “They are among the greatest artists, actors, performers, musicians, singers, and songwriters ever to walk the face of the Earth.”
The event, taped for broadcast December 23 on CBS and Paramount+, marked a full-circle moment for Trump. During his first term, he boycotted the Honors entirely. Now, in his second, he has made the Kennedy Center a personal project—pouring federal funds into renovations, hand-picking honorees, and turning the traditionally apolitical gala into a showcase of mainstream, red-state-friendly entertainment.
On the red carpet alongside First Lady Melania Trump, the president shrugged off any rehearsal. “I didn’t really prepare very much,” he said. “I have a good memory… I just wanted to be myself.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, whose wife sits on the Kennedy Center board, predicted the show would be electric: “He’s so relaxed in front of cameras and so funny. I can’t wait.”
Trump’s onstage remarks mixed lavish praise with his trademark edge. He hailed the honorees’ persistence in the face of “legendary setbacks,” quoting Rocky Balboa: “You keep moving forward.” Then, scanning the crowd, he grinned: “So many people I know in this audience. Some good. Some bad. Some I truly love and respect. Some I just hate.” He added, “Many of you are persistent… miserable, horrible people. You never give up. Sometimes I wish you’d give up, but you don’t.” The room erupted in laughter from supporters and nervous chuckles from others.
Each tribute was a spectacle:
- Sylvester Stallone, the 79-year-old creator of Rocky and Rambo, was honored with a video message from Arnold Schwarzenegger and a live performance of “Eye of the Tiger.” Visibly emotional, Stallone called the night “the eye of a hurricane… incredibly humbling.”
- Kiss received a thunderous rock tribute featuring Def Leppard and Cheap Trick’s explosive “Rock and Roll All Nite.” A lone red guitar emitting smoke stood onstage in memory of original guitarist Ace Frehley, who died in October. Surviving members fought tears as the audience rose for a standing ovation.
- Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” became a gospel-choir celebration of resilience, with the disco queen beaming from the balcony.
- George Strait, the King of Country, was serenaded by Miranda Lambert in a heartfelt Texas-sized tribute.
- Michael Crawford, the original Phantom of the Opera, heard “Music of the Night” soar through the hall as the longest-running Broadway star in history accepted his medal.
Saturday’s White House medal ceremony had already set an intimate tone, with Trump personally draping the redesigned Tiffany & Co. medallions around each honoree’s neck (and, in Strait’s case, carefully maneuvering them past a cowboy hat).
For Trump, the evening capped a deliberate rebranding of the Kennedy Center. Since January, he has steered the Honors away from classical, jazz, and avant-garde selections toward artists he believes represent “real American culture.” Critics have called it politicization of the arts; supporters call it long-overdue recognition of mainstream icons.
As the final notes of “Rock and Roll All Nite” faded and the house lights came up, Trump returned to the stage one last time. “We’re really having a good time tonight,” he said with a wide smile. “Fantastic night.”
Whether the gamble pays off in record ratings remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Kennedy Center Honors, for better or worse, now carry the unmistakable imprint of Donald J. Trump.
