Trump Announces 2025 Kennedy Center Honors as He Takes Charge as Chair
Washington, D.C. (August 13, 2025) — In a move signaling his deepening influence over America’s premier performing arts institution, President Donald Trump this morning unveiled the distinguished recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. The honorees include rock legends KISS, disco trailblazer Gloria Gaynor, country music icon George Strait, Broadway luminary Michael Crawford, and action film star Sylvester Stallone.
These selections carry added weight as this marks Trump’s first class of honorees since he assumed the chairmanship of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees—a position he secured following a sweeping overhaul of leadership earlier in the year.
Trump went beyond tradition by announcing he will also personally host the December gala—a break from precedent for presidential involvement.
Cultural Moment Meets Political Undertones
Unlike past administrations that upheld the nonpartisan spirit of the honors, the 2025 ceremony arrives amid heightened politicization of the Kennedy Center. Since February, Trump has replaced the board and dismissed career leadership, including Deborah Rutter, reshaping the institution’s direction and programming.
These maneuvers have not gone unnoticed—or unchallenged. Several major productions, including Hamilton, and artists such as Issa Rae, Rhiannon Giddens, and Renée Fleming, have withdrawn from involvement, protesting the shift.
House Republicans have also floated proposals, backed by approximately $257 million in federal funding, to rename parts of the Kennedy Center—such as the Opera House—after Trump or First Lady Melania Trump.
Why These Honorees Stand Out
- George Strait – Known as the “King of Country,” he holds the record for the most No. 1 singles across any genre, securing his place as a true American music icon.
- Gloria Gaynor – Disco’s enduring voice, immortalized by her empowering anthem “I Will Survive”
- Michael Crawford – Celebrated for his Tony-winning portrayal in The Phantom of the Opera, a personal favorite of Trump’s.
- Sylvester Stallone – The action star behind Rocky and Rambo, epitomizing cinematic grit and perseverance. Trump previously appointed him as a “Hollywood ambassador.”
- KISS – The larger-than-life New York rock band, recognized for their theatrical stage presence and enduring cultural impact.
Interestingly, not all recipients share Trump’s political views—Gene Simmons of KISS, for example, has been openly critical of him.
Ceremony Outlook and Industry Reactions
- The Kennedy Center is contemplating changes to the gala, including Tiffany & Co.-redesigned medallions and possibly shifting the annual dinner from the State Department to the White House.
- Production company Done+Dusted, which previously staged the Honors, has bowed out, citing discomfort amid sweeping changes.
- With numerous artists distancing themselves, speculation swirls about who might represent the industry on stage—some speculate pro-Trump performers like Lee Greenwood or Kid Rock could step in.
The work resonates with subtle tension and release. Sentences unfold with care, creating a dynamic rhythm that feels both natural and intentional.