BREAKING: President Donald Trump is making history by hosting the Kennedy Center Honors tonight, becoming the first sitting president to take the stage for this prestigious event. This groundbreaking ceremony is set to showcase a lineup of legendary artists, including Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, the iconic rock band Kiss, and acclaimed actor-singer Michael Crawford.
Earlier today, Trump presented the honorees with their medals during a ceremony at the Oval Office, where he praised the class as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned” ever. “These are incredible people representing the very best in American arts and culture,” he declared.
In a departure from tradition, Trump will command the stage instead of sitting in the audience, a role previously held by prominent figures like Walter Cronkite and Stephen Colbert. Trump expressed confidence about his hosting duties, stating, “You have to be yourself,” and downplayed the need for extensive preparation.
The ceremony, airing on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23, 2025, is anticipated to draw record ratings. Trump remarked that he agreed to host at the request of a major television network, indicating high expectations for viewership. “I predict this will be the best ratings ever,” he noted.
Among the honorees, Stallone described the experience as being in the “eye of a hurricane,” emphasizing the emotional weight of the occasion. “It’s hard to take it in until the next day… but I’m incredibly humbled,” he said. The ceremony will also be poignant for Kiss, who mourn the loss of co-founder Ace Frehley, who passed away in October. The band’s co-founder Gene Simmons confirmed that an empty chair will honor Frehley during the event.
Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary, expressed enthusiasm for Trump’s hosting style, noting his ability to be “relaxed in front of these cameras.” Lutnick stated, “I can’t wait for tonight,” emphasizing the excitement surrounding the event.
Since its inception in 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors have celebrated artists who have made significant contributions to American culture. This year’s recipients are pop culture icons, with Stallone recognized for his roles in “Rocky” and “Rambo,” Gaynor for her anthem “I Will Survive,” and Kiss for their theatrical performances.
In a landscape often marked by political divides, Trump’s involvement in the Kennedy Center has been controversial. He previously altered the center’s leadership and expressed a desire to rename it, jokingly suggesting the “Trump Kennedy Center.” This has drawn mixed reactions from the artistic community, with past honorees openly critical of Trump’s administration.
As the ceremony unfolds tonight, all eyes will be on Trump and the honorees, with the potential for emotional tributes and heartfelt moments. The event is expected to be a landmark occasion in the intersection of politics and the arts.
Stay tuned for live updates as the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony progresses and to see how these cultural icons are celebrated under the spotlight of a president.
