Trump Honors Kennedy Center Awardees, Including Stallone and Strait
On December 6, 2025, President Trump honored five distinguished artists during a ceremony at the Oval Office. This year’s recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors include renowned figures such as Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and Michael Crawford. Trump praised the honorees as an extraordinary group who represent the pinnacle of American arts and culture.
Notable Honorees and Their Contributions
Trump described the honorees as “icons” whose work has inspired millions. His remarks highlighted the significant impact each artist has made in their respective fields:
- Sylvester Stallone: Celebrated actor and filmmaker.
- Gloria Gaynor: The iconic disco singer, known for her hit “I Will Survive.”
- George Strait: Often referred to as the “King of Country,” known for his cultural contributions to music.
- Kiss: The legendary rock band famous for their elaborate performances and music.
- Michael Crawford: Esteemed actress and singer, recognized for his role in “Phantom of the Opera.”
The Ceremony
During the ceremony, each honoree received a new gold medal designed by Tiffany & Co. The medal features an image of the Kennedy Center on one side and the recipient’s name on the opposite side, suspended from a navy blue ribbon.
Trump expressed his personal connection to the artists, stating, “I’ve been a fan of all of them.” He was actively involved in the selection process for the 2025 honorees. Previously, the Kennedy Center’s selection was handled by a bipartisan committee.
Controversy and Changes at the Kennedy Center
Since returning to office, Trump has implemented significant changes at the Kennedy Center, including clearing the board of trustees to align it with his political supporters. These actions led to cancellations of performances by some artists and resignations among staff. Trump criticized the organization for perceived “woke” behavior and financial transparency issues.
Future Celebrations
Following the Oval Office ceremony, a celebration featuring performances honoring the honorees is scheduled at the Kennedy Center. Trump is set to attend the event, which will be filmed for later broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. He anticipates that the upcoming program will draw record viewership, stating, “This will be the highest-rated show that they’ve ever done.”
The Kennedy Center Honors program is traditionally a high-profile event celebrating artistic achievement in America, reflecting the honor and prestige associated with the recipients.
