Donald Trump’s Radical Redefinition of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors
In 2025, what’s usually a dignified, bipartisan celebration of American performing arts—the Kennedy Center Honors—has turned into a spectacle infused with political theatrics, thanks to former President Donald Trump. On August 13, he made an unexpected announcement, unveiling the honorees: Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford, George Strait, and the rock band KISS.
A Power Grab at the Kennedy Center
Rather than following the traditional selection by a bipartisan committee, Trump claimed he was “about 98 percent involved” in the process and publicly rejected nominees he deemed “too woke”.
This comes amid sweeping structural changes: Trump ousted 18 board members and replaced them with loyalists, then installed himself as chair of the Kennedy Center Board on February 12, 2025.
The Honorees: Nostalgia Meets Trump’s Preferences
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Sylvester Stallone: Action-film icon known for Rocky, Rambo, and box office success exceeding $7.5 billion across a six-decade career.
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Gloria Gaynor: Disco legend whose anthem “I Will Survive” became a feminist classic; Grammy-winning artist in both disco territory (1980) and gospel (2020).
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Michael Crawford: Broadway luminary famous for originating The Phantom of the Opera and earning a Tony Award.
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George Strait: The “King of Country,” with over 120 million records sold, 60 No. 1 hits, and philanthropic contributions to military and children’s causes.
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KISS: Glam-rock icons, selling over 100 million albums, 30 gold albums, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Host with the Most
Trump went further than announcing winners—he declared he will host the ceremony, a first among presidents. Traditionally, they attend as VIPs, but don’t take on presenting duties. The ceremony is slated for December 7 and will air on CBS and stream on Paramount.
Multilayered Backlash
Trump’s overhaul triggered resignations from key figures like Ben Folds, Renée Fleming, and Shonda Rhimes, and led longtime producer Done+Dusted to withdraw. Meanwhile, proposals to rename the Kennedy Center as the “Trump/Kennedy Center” or its Opera House after Melania Trump sparked legal and public pushback—including from JFK’s grandson, who warned such changes might defy federal law.
Gloria Gaynor received a public plea from The View’s Ana Navarro not to accept the honor, arguing Trump’s legacy tarnished its prestige.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Kennedy Center Honors has transformed from a prestigious, apolitical gala into a frontline of cultural politics under Donald Trump. With honorees echoing his nostalgic brand of Americana and Trump himself taking the helm as host, this year’s celebration—set for December 7—promises to be one of the most controversial and watched in the event’s history.