Overview
- Final Nielsen Live + Same Day Panel + Big Data figures show the Dec. 23 CBS telecast averaged 3.01 million viewers, the lowest on record and roughly 25% below 2024.
- The Kennedy Center called year-over-year comparisons misleading, citing Nielsen’s methodology shift, a Tuesday air date two days before Christmas, and claimed strong demographic and social results.
- President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to host the Honors after reshaping the board and installing himself as chairman earlier in 2025.
- The board voted in December to add Trump’s name to the institution, while Rep. Joyce Beatty filed a lawsuit arguing only Congress can change the federally authorized memorial’s name.
- CBS declined to use the revised name on air, and continuing backlash includes artist cancellations and reported declines in ticket sales.