Sylvester Stallone Accepts Trump Medal with Cane, Fans Express Disappointment
Actor Sylvester Stallone recently accepted an award from former President Donald Trump during a ceremonial event at the White House. The ceremony recognized the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees, which also included notable figures such as singer Gloria Gaynor, country artist George Strait, rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford.
Sylvester Stallone Accepts Trump Medal
During the event, Trump praised Stallone, calling him “one of the true great movie stars.” This marks a notable moment in Trump’s presidency, as he previously distanced himself from the Kennedy Center and its annual awards during his first term.
Changes in the Kennedy Center Ceremony
Since Trump’s return to office in January, he made considerable changes to the Kennedy Center’s selection process. He replaced the board of trustees with political associates and took on the role of chairman himself. This shift led to a more personalized approach in announcing this year’s honorees, a departure from the traditional method that typically involved a bipartisan committee.
- Honorees:
- Sylvester Stallone
- Gloria Gaynor
- George Strait
- Kiss
- Michael Crawford
- Ceremony Date: The medal presentation took place on a Saturday.
- Broadcast Information: The tribute show will air on December 3 on CBS and Paramount+.
Public Reaction to Stallone’s Award
Fans have expressed disappointment over Stallone’s acceptance of the medal, given the political context. This event comes shortly after Trump faced scrutiny over his health, with recent alarming diagnoses coming to light. Despite the mixed reactions, Stallone’s participation further links his legacy to political figures, igniting conversation among his fans.
Following the White House ceremony, Trump was also scheduled to attend the State Department’s annual dinner celebrating the honorees. In a lighthearted comment during his speech, Trump reflected on the media’s portrayal of him, specifically mentioning television host Jimmy Kimmel. He playfully asserted that if he cannot outperform Kimmel, he questions his own qualifications for the presidency.