UPDATE: President Donald Trump made headlines during a ceremonial presentation in the Oval Office on Saturday evening after he mispronounced his friend and supporter Sylvester Stallone‘s name. This slip occurred just ahead of the highly anticipated Kennedy Center Honors event, where Stallone, along with other honorees, will be celebrated for their significant contributions to the arts.
During the livestreamed ceremony, Trump introduced Stallone as “a wonderful person, a really spectacular person, one of the true great movie stars there are,” but mistakenly referred to him as “Sylvester ‘Sly’ Sallone.” The misstep, which Trump repeated while presenting Stallone with a Tiffany & Co.-crafted medallion, did not elicit a visible reaction from Stallone.
The ceremony featured other notable figures including Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford, and the iconic rock band KISS, all gathered in the Oval Office to celebrate their achievements. This event precedes the official Kennedy Center Honors ceremony scheduled for Sunday, which will be recorded and aired later this month.
Stallone, who publicly endorsed Trump at a gala in November 2024 post-election, praised the president, stating, “We are in the presence of a really mythical character.” His comments reflect the unique relationship between the two, emphasizing Trump’s impact on American culture and politics.
Vice President JD Vance also honored Stallone at an event on Friday, highlighting the relatable themes in Stallone’s films. Vance remarked, “It’s because she didn’t see people like us on the big screen that much. She saw working-class people… made the American dream a reality.”
As the Kennedy Center Honors unfolds, Trump has made it clear he intends to host the event himself, a departure from tradition where the president typically remains seated among the audience. Trump confidently predicted, “This will be the highest-rated show that they’ve ever done,” signaling his expectations for a spectacular celebration.
With the Kennedy Center Honors just hours away, all eyes are now on the ceremony that promises to be a memorable tribute to the honorees. The anticipation surrounding the event is palpable, with many eager to see how the night unfolds and whether Trump will make more headlines.
Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.
