On Sunday, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. will host its annual Honors ceremony, but this year the spotlight will fall on a different figure: President Donald Trump, who will take the stage as host for the first time in the program’s history.
Trump returned to office in January 2025 and has since positioned the Kennedy Center as a battleground in his broader critique of what he calls “woke” anti‑American culture. In August, he said he had agreed to host the show, and at a State Department dinner for the honorees on Saturday he explained that he was doing so “at the request of a certain television network.” He also promised that the broadcast, scheduled to air Dec. 23 on CBS and Paramount+, would achieve the highest ratings ever for the program.
During the ceremony, Trump said, “It’s going to be something that I believe, and I’m going to make a prediction: This will be the highest‑rated show that they’ve ever done and they’ve gotten some pretty good ratings, but there’s nothing like what’s going to happen.”
Trump’s appearance marks a departure from precedent. Past hosts have included journalist Walter Cronkite and comedian Stephen Colbert, while presidents traditionally watched from a box in the Opera House. Trump skipped the Honors entirely during his first term, even as several honorees voiced criticism of him in 2017 when Norman Lear threatened a boycott.
The 2025 class features pop‑culture icons such as Sylvester Stallone, celebrated for the “Rocky” and “Rambo” franchises; Gloria Gaynor, whose song “I Will Survive” has become a feminist anthem; and Kiss, known for their theatrical makeup and pyrotechnics. Country superstar George Strait and Tony‑Award winner Michael Crawford also receive honors.
Fans of Kiss are expected to be moved, as the band’s original lead guitarist Ace Frehley died in October after falling. His passing adds a layer of poignancy to the celebration of the group’s enduring legacy.
Beyond hosting, Trump has reshaped the Kennedy Center’s governance. He ousted existing leadership, appointed Republican supporters to the board of trustees, and was elected chair. He has publicly criticized the center’s programming and appearance, joking that he might rename it the “Trump Kennedy Center.” The president also secured more than $250 million in congressional appropriations for building renovations.
Political views among the honorees are mixed. While Strait and Gaynor have been silent publicly, FEC records show Gaynor has donated to Republican organizations in recent years. Kiss co‑founder Gene Simmons praised Trump during his 2016 campaign, but in 2022 he criticized Trump for promoting conspiracy theories and racism. Paul Stanley denounced Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election and called Jan. 6 participants “terrorists,” yet after Trump’s 2024 victory he urged unity, writing on X, “If your candidate lost, it’s time to learn from it… If your candidate won, it’s time to understand that those who don’t share your views also believe they are right and love this country as much as you do.”
Key Takeaways
- Trump hosts the Kennedy Center Honors for the first time, promising record ratings.
- Honorees include Stallone, Kiss, Gaynor, Strait, and Crawford.
- Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center involved board changes and a $250 million renovation package.
With a president on stage, a roster of legendary performers, and a backdrop of political controversy, the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors promises to be a historic night that blends celebration with the sharp edge of contemporary politics.
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