Trump Hosts Historic Kennedy Center Honors Ceremony Tonight
UPDATE: In a historic move, President Donald Trump is set to host the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony tonight, marking the first time a sitting president will take the stage as the event’s host instead of watching from the audience. This groundbreaking development follows his participation in an Oval Office ceremony on Saturday, where he presented the 2025 honorees with their medals.
This year’s esteemed recipients include legendary actor Sylvester Stallone, iconic singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, rock legends Kiss, and acclaimed actor-singer Michael Crawford. Trump described the honorees as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled, expressing his personal admiration for each of them during his remarks at the ceremony.
The live broadcast is scheduled for December 23 on CBS and Paramount+, and Trump predicted it would achieve record ratings. “I know most of them and I’ve been a fan of all of them,” he said, emphasizing the cultural significance of the honorees.
In a striking change from tradition, Trump will break from the norm of presidents watching the event from the sidelines. Instead, he will engage directly with the honorees and the audience, a role previously held by prominent figures like journalists Walter Cronkite and comedians Stephen Colbert.
Trump’s preparation style is unorthodox; he admitted he “didn’t really prepare very much,” adding, “You have to be yourself.” His comments come amid criticism of previous host Jimmy Kimmel, whom he has publicly denounced in the past.
Guests at the event, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, are eagerly anticipating Trump’s hosting. “Oh, this president, he is so relaxed in front of these cameras, as you know, and so funny,” Lutnick remarked.
This year’s ceremony holds special emotional weight, particularly for the members of Kiss, as they remember their late guitarist, Ace Frehley, who passed away in October. Co-founder Gene Simmons confirmed that there will be an empty chair in Frehley’s honor during the event.
Stallone expressed his excitement about receiving this honor, stating, “This is an amazing event… I’m incredibly humbled by it.” Gaynor echoed similar sentiments, calling the recognition “the pinnacle” of her career.
The Kennedy Center Honors have been celebrating exceptional artists since 1978, recognizing their contributions to American culture. This year’s class includes pop-culture icons such as Stallone, known for his roles in “Rocky” and “Rambo,” Gaynor, celebrated for her anthem “I Will Survive,” and Kiss, renowned for their theatrical performances.
Trump’s involvement in the selection of honorees has sparked discussions about the political climate surrounding the event. In previous years, honorees had openly criticized the president. However, the current atmosphere appears to reflect a mix of political backgrounds, with some, like Stallone, being vocal supporters of Trump, while others have been more reserved.
As the Kennedy Center prepares for tonight’s event, millions are expected to tune in, eager to witness this unprecedented moment in American cultural history. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
The stage is set for an unforgettable evening, merging political history with the celebration of artistic achievement. Will President Trump redefine the tradition of the Kennedy Center Honors? Only time will tell.
