President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony on December 7 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., marking the first time a sitting president has taken the hosting role. Honorees include Sylvester Stallone, the rock band KISS, country star George Strait, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, and Broadway performer Michael Crawford. The event recognizes their lifetime contributions to American culture and the performing arts.
Event Overview
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors took place on Sunday, December 7, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This annual ceremony, established in 1978, celebrates individuals who have influenced American culture through the performing arts. For the first time, President Donald Trump hosted the event, a departure from tradition where presidents typically attend as guests. Trump had previously skipped the honors during his first term but became more involved after returning to office in January 2025, including changes to the center's board and securing funding for renovations.
Medal Presentation
On Saturday, December 6, Trump presented the honorees with their medals in the Oval Office. He described the group as 'perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center honorees ever assembled,' praising their impact on American life. George Strait received his medal first, followed by Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone, and members of KISS. Trump highlighted Stallone as 'one of the great legends' for films like Rocky and Rambo, Gaynor as the 'disco queen' for 'I Will Survive,' and KISS as an 'incredible rock band.'
Honorees and Tributes
Sylvester Stallone is honored for his iconic roles in action cinema. KISS, represented by Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss, received a posthumous nod to original guitarist Ace Frehley, who died in October 2025 after a fall. Simmons noted an empty chair would symbolize Frehley's absence. George Strait, the 'king of country,' and Gloria Gaynor, celebrated for her feminist anthem, round out the music honorees alongside Crawford's Broadway achievements, including The Phantom of the Opera.
Broadcast and Context
The ceremony airs on December 23 on CBS and Paramount+. Trump predicted record ratings, stating, 'There's nothing like what's going to happen.' Past honorees have spanned genres, from Bob Dylan to Meryl Streep. While Trump influenced selections, avoiding 'woke' choices, honorees' political views vary; KISS members have expressed mixed opinions on Trump over the years.
