Overview

• President Donald Trump unveiled Sylvester Stallone, KISS, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor and Michael Crawford as the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees and said he will host the December gala.
• Trump asserted that he was about 98% involved in choosing this year’s recipients, rejecting names he deemed “too woke” and sidestepping the traditional bipartisan advisory committee.
• The Kennedy Center issued a statement saying it was honored by his involvement and credited his advocacy for planned renovations aimed at restoring the venue’s prestige.
• Artist resistance has intensified, with the producers of Hamilton, Issa Rae and Rhiannon Giddens among those who have canceled performances or roles in protest of the center’s leadership changes.
• CBS is slated to broadcast the ceremony under its existing contract, which expires after next year’s event, and no new long-term rights deal has been confirmed.