BREAKING: KISS has just been named a 2025 Kennedy Center Honoree, causing a stir as band members react to this prestigious recognition while reflecting on their complex relationship with Donald Trump. The announcement came on August 13, 2023, and the band expressed their excitement, despite previously labeling Trump a “true danger to democracy.”
The iconic rock group, celebrated for hits like “Love Gun” and “Black Diamond,” will share the honor with a distinguished lineup that includes George Strait, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone. In an unexpected twist, Trump revealed he played a significant role in selecting this year’s honorees and plans to host the ceremony himself, marking a historic first for a sitting president.
In a statement to TMZ, Gene Simmons declared, “KISS is the embodiment of the American dream. We are deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honor.” Fellow band member Paul Stanley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of this recognition for their enduring legacy. “From our earliest days, KISS has embodied the American ideal that all things are possible and that hard work pays off,” he stated.
The timing of this announcement raises eyebrows, particularly as it follows Trump’s recent dismissal of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics after a jobs report he criticized as “rigged.” This move reflects the ongoing tensions between Trump and various sectors, including the arts, which KISS has previously critiqued.
Former members of KISS, including Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, expressed their gratitude, with Frehley calling it a “dream come true” and Criss stating, “I feel so blessed. This is the greatest honor of our career.”
While KISS embraces the honor, the band’s past criticisms of Trump cannot be overlooked. Simmons once praised Trump for his candidness but later condemned the polarization he believes Trump fostered during his presidency. Stanley has been vocal about Trump’s actions, labeling the January 6 Capitol riots as “TERRORISTS” and condemning Trump for inciting division.
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, hosted by Trump, will air on CBS this December, and many are curious about how the ceremony will unfold given the polarizing backdrop.
As the news develops, KISS’s acceptance of this honor illustrates the complexities of celebrity, politics, and public perception. Fans and critics alike are left to wonder how this recognition will affect their legacy and the ongoing cultural discourse surrounding Trump’s presidency.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story as it unfolds.
