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Trump Hosts Kennedy Center Honors, A First for a Sitting President

Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center has turned a once arm’s‑length presidential role into a hands‑on production.

Overview

  • On Saturday in the Oval Office, Trump personally presented redesigned Tiffany & Co. gold medallions on navy ribbons to the 2025 honorees.
  • This year’s recipients are Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, KISS and Michael Crawford, with Ace Frehley’s medal accepted by his daughter.
  • Trump has said he was “98% involved” in selecting the slate and rejected some candidates he considered “too woke.”
  • Since January, he installed a new, largely Republican board that elected him chair and secured more than $250 million from Congress for renovations, prompting resignations and protests from some in the arts community.
  • The taped gala will air December 23 on CBS and Paramount+, with Trump predicting the broadcast will draw the event’s best ratings.