Donald Trump to Host Kennedy Center Honors Celebrating Gloria Gaynor, KISS, and More
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On Sunday, December 7, luminaries including Sylvester Stallone, KISS, George Strait, and Gloria Gaynor will be honored during the annual Kennedy Center Honors. Notably, this year’s event will feature former President Donald Trump as the host, marking the first instance in which a sitting president has taken the stage instead of observing from the audience.
Since resuming office in January, Trump has made the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts—a venue named after a Democratic predecessor—a focal point in his critique of what he describes as “woke” anti-American culture.
In August, Trump announced his decision to host the ceremony, stating, “at the request of a certain television network,” during a State Department dinner for the honorees on Saturday. He expressed confidence that the broadcast, slated for December 23 on CBS and Paramount+, would achieve record ratings. “This will be the highest-rated show that they’ve ever done,” he predicted.
Historically, this role has been filled by prominent figures such as journalist Walter Cronkite and comedian Stephen Colbert. Traditionally, presidents have attended the ceremony from a spectator’s seat, a practice Trump chose to forgo during his first term.
Since its inception in 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors has celebrated artists for their impact on American culture. This year’s honorees include Stallone for his iconic roles in the *Rocky* and *Rambo* films, Gaynor for her anthem “I Will Survive,” and KISS for their extravagant performances. Additionally, country music legend George Strait and Tony Award-winning actor Michael Crawford will receive accolades.
The ceremony is poised to be particularly emotional for KISS, following the recent death of their original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, who passed away in October after a fall. KISS co-founder Gene Simmons noted on the red carpet that an empty chair would be reserved in Frehley’s memory, as assured by the president.
Crawford remarked on the honor, calling it “a beautiful honor” and stating, “It’s humbling, especially at the end of a career.” Mike Farris, an award-winning gospel singer performing for Gaynor, reflected on their friendship, describing her as a true survivor: “What an iconic song.”
The Kennedy Center has acknowledged a diverse range of artists over the years, spanning various disciplines, including dance, theater, film, and music.
Trump’s Influence at the Kennedy Center
Trump has disrupted decades of bipartisan support for the Kennedy Center by replacing its leadership and appointing a board predominantly composed of Republican supporters, subsequently electing himself as chair. He has criticized the venue’s programming and even humorously suggested renaming it the “Trump Kennedy Center.” Moreover, he successfully obtained over $250 million in congressional funding for renovations.
Historically, presidents from both political parties have engaged with artists holding differing political views. For instance, Republican Ronald Reagan honored playwright Arthur Miller, known for his liberal advocacy, while Democrat Bill Clinton recognized actor Charlton Heston, a proponent of gun rights.
During Trump’s first term, several honorees openly criticized him. In 2017, award recipient Norman Lear threatened to boycott if Trump was present. Ultimately, Trump did not attend any ceremonies that term.
Trump has claimed significant involvement in selecting the 2025 honorees, stating he rejected certain nominees because they were “too woke.” In contrast, Stallone has publicly supported Trump in the past, while the political views of other honorees remain less clear.
Honorees’ Perspectives on Trump
Both Strait and Gaynor have remained largely silent regarding their political affiliations. However, Federal Election Commission records indicate that Gaynor has contributed to Republican organizations in recent years.
Gene Simmons, co-founder of KISS, expressed support for Trump during the 2016 campaign but later criticized him in 2022, describing Trump as “out for himself” and condemning his endorsement of conspiracy theories and public displays of racism.
Another KISS member, Paul Stanley, condemned Trump’s attempts to challenge the results of the 2020 election. He labeled the January 6 Capitol rioters as “terrorists.” However, following Trump’s 2024 victory, Stanley called for unity. “If your candidate lost, it’s time to learn from it, accept it and try to understand why,” he stated on X, emphasizing the shared love for the country among all citizens despite differing political views.
