Kennedy Center Honors Sees Record Low Ratings on CBS with Donald Trump as Host
The official ratings for the 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors have been released, revealing that the December 23 telecast attracted an audience of 3.01 million viewers on CBS, according to Nielsen Live + Same Day data.
This figure marks a new low for the annual special, showing a decrease from last year’s 4.1 million viewers, when the event aired on a Sunday alongside a football game and an episode of 60 Minutes. This year’s ceremony was broadcast on a Tuesday.
Founded in 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors recognize individuals whose significant contributions have shaped culture and society. This year’s honorees included Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, KISS, George Strait, and Gloria Gaynor. Notably, the ceremony was hosted for the first time by a sitting U.S. President, Donald Trump, who previously gained fame through NBC’s reality series The Apprentice.
“At the request of the Board, and just about everybody else in America, I am hosting the event,” Trump shared on Truth Social prior to the ceremony. “Tell me what you think of my ‘Master of Ceremony’ abilities. If really good, would you like me to leave the Presidency in order to make ‘hosting’ a full-time job?”
The Kennedy Center Honors took place under a cloud of controversy, particularly since Trump resumed office in January. His administration has initiated significant changes, including the replacement of most Board of Trustees members appointed by Democratic predecessors and Trump’s ascension to Chairman. Recently, the memorial was renamed The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, prompting several scheduled performances to be canceled, with the most recent cancellations occurring this week.
