Overview
- At a Saturday Oval Office event, Trump presented medals to Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, KISS and Michael Crawford.
- The traditional rainbow ribbon was replaced by a Tiffany & Co. gold medallion on a navy ribbon, unveiled as this year’s award design.
- Trump said he will host Sunday’s taped tribute at the Kennedy Center, predicted record ratings, and derided Jimmy Kimmel’s hosting.
- The president says he was “about 98% involved” in picking honorees, though this year’s selection process was not publicly detailed.
- After ousting the board and becoming chairman, Trump-installed leadership including Richard Grenell now oversees the center, the medal presentation moved from the State Department to the White House, and the telecast will air later this month on CBS and Paramount+.