Trump Names Kennedy Center Honorees Including Strait, Stallone/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors recipients, including George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, KISS, and Michael Crawford. As the center’s new chairman, Trump will host the awards ceremony and oversee renovations. The move follows his replacement of the Kennedy Center board with political allies.
Trump Kennedy Center Honors Quick Looks
- Trump selects George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, KISS, and Michael Crawford as honorees.
- He will host the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors as the center’s new chairman.
- Board of trustees replaced with Trump loyalists earlier this year.
- Trump hints at renovations and possible name changes for the venue.
- Honoree selection process remains unclear; historically chosen by bipartisan committee.
- Trump previously skipped event during first term amid artist protests.
- Critics accuse Trump of politicizing the arts institution.
- Ceremony maintains tradition of awarding medallions on rainbow ribbons.
Trump Names Kennedy Center Honorees Including Strait, Stallone
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has announced a star-studded lineup for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, selecting country legend George Strait, actor Sylvester Stallone, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, rock band KISS, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. Trump, now serving as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, will personally host the annual awards ceremony — a sharp contrast to his first term, when he avoided the event entirely.
The announcement underscores Trump’s growing influence over the prestigious cultural institution. Earlier this year, he removed the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees and replaced them with political allies, consolidating control over programming, leadership, and event planning.
From Boycott to Host
During his first term, Trump skipped the Kennedy Center Honors after several recipients, including television producer Norman Lear, said they would boycott a White House celebration in protest of his proposed cuts to federal arts funding. Honorees during that time included outspoken critics such as Cher and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
This time, Trump has made the Honors a personal project. In a Truth Social post, he teased renaming the venue and promised a return to “luxury, glamour, and entertainment,” saying the building had “fallen on hard times” but would soon make “a major comeback.”
“GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS,” he wrote.
The Kennedy Center later confirmed on social media that Trump’s visit will include an announcement of a renovation project aimed at restoring the facility’s “prestige and grandeur.”
Unclear Selection Process
Traditionally, a bipartisan advisory committee chooses the honorees. Past recipients have ranged from choreographer George Balanchine to actor Tom Hanks, with the selection process aimed at honoring a broad spectrum of the performing arts. This year’s process remains opaque, and the Kennedy Center did not respond to inquiries about how the final honorees were chosen.
The center did post a playful clue ahead of the announcement:
“A country music icon, an Englishman, a New York City rock band, a dance Queen and a multi-billion dollar Actor walk into the Kennedy Center Opera House …”
Trump has previously floated the idea of honoring both Paul Anka and Stallone. Stallone, known worldwide for his roles in Rocky and Rambo, was also named one of Trump’s “Hollywood ambassadors” earlier this year.
Political Influence and Controversy
Since retaking office, Trump has pushed a more hands-on approach to the Kennedy Center’s governance. In addition to reshaping its board, he has vowed to take control of programming and end performances involving drag artists. His stance has prompted backlash from parts of the arts community.
In March, the producers of Hamilton canceled a planned 2026 production at the center, citing Trump’s “aggressive takeover.” Other cancellations have come from actor Issa Rae, singer Rhiannon Giddens, and author Louise Penny.
House Republicans even passed a measure — signed by Trump in July — to rename the Opera House after First Lady Melania Trump. That change has not yet been implemented. A separate proposal to rename the entire center after Trump drew criticism from Maria Shriver, niece of President John F. Kennedy, who called the idea “insane.”
History of the Honors
The Kennedy Center Honors, established in 1978, recognize lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. Recipients receive medallions on rainbow ribbons, symbolizing artistic diversity. In April, the Kennedy Center replaced its long-standing rainbow exterior lighting with a permanent red, white, and blue display.
Over the decades, presidents from both parties have attended the event, even when honorees held opposing political views. Conservative actor Charlton Heston received the award during Democrat Bill Clinton’s presidency, while liberal icons such as Barbra Streisand were honored under Republican George W. Bush.
Trump’s re-engagement with the ceremony marks a significant shift — both in the tradition of the event and in its governance. While supporters see his leadership as revitalizing the venue, critics argue it risks politicizing an institution meant to celebrate artistic achievement across the political spectrum.
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony is expected to blend celebrity spectacle with Trump’s signature flair. With a guest list likely to include political allies, entertainment industry veterans, and global media, the event may become one of the most closely watched in the Honors’ history.
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