Honorees for the Kennedy Center announced: Trump chooses Stallone, Strait
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has taken charge of the Kennedy Center, the renowned performing arts venue in the U.S., which was opened in 1971. The Kennedy Center, home to the National Symphony Orchestra and offering theater, opera, comedy, and various productions, has been a top performing arts venue in the country for nearly five decades.
Trump's involvement with the Kennedy Center Honors, an annual event recognising influential artists in the field of entertainment, has evolved over time. In 2017, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump notably chose not to participate in the Kennedy Center Honors events, stating this would allow the honorees to celebrate "without any political distraction." This absence was unprecedented, as no sitting president and first lady had skipped the ceremony since its inception in 1978. Trump also did not attend the events in 2018 or 2019.
However, by 2025, Trump had taken a much more direct role as the chairman of the Kennedy Center board. He personally oversaw and announced the first group of honorees under his influence, selecting figures such as Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Michael Crawford, Sylvester Stallone, and KISS. This move was seen as Trump imprinting his preferences on the nation's cultural legacy, emphasising entertainment and celebrity appeal often aligned with his own style and public persona. He openly acknowledged wanting to avoid making the Honors politically divisive in the way he perceived the Academy Awards had become, instead planning to make them "our kind of political."
Alongside programming decisions, Trump has been involved in broader changes at the Kennedy Center, including overseeing renovations funded by over $200 million in taxpayer money. He has personally inspected and expressed concern about both the physical infrastructure and programming of the center, asserting his role as board chair allowed him substantial control over both aspects.
Regarding the decision to "purge perceived objectionable programming," while explicit references to a purge are not detailed in the search results, Trump's selective choices of honorees and emphasis on changing the Center's offerings imply a shift to align with his vision for the institution and a move away from programming or honorees that might not fit that vision.
The Honors gala, usually held in early December, will be hosted by Donald Trump. In a jest, Trump said he wanted an honor himself but was "never able to get one." The producers of the musical "Hamilton" opted to cancel a scheduled 2026 run at the Kennedy Center, citing the end of "neutrality" at the center.
Many artists associated with the center, including opera singer Renee Fleming and musician Ben Folds, have cut ties with the institution. Sylvester Stallone, a three-time Oscar nominee, is a major Trump supporter and one of the president's "Hollywood ambassadors." Stallone was nominated for best actor, screenplay, and best supporting actor for the "Rocky" series.
Gloria Gaynor, KISS, Michael Crawford, and Rock band KISS will receive the nation's highest arts award. Gaynor is the singer behind the disco anthem "I Will Survive," while KISS, formed in New York City in the 1970s, gained fame for their shock rock performances and outlandish black and white face paint. Michael Crawford made his mark on British television in the 1970s and achieved international success by originating the title role in the musical "Phantom of the Opera."
Trump vowed to purge any programming at the Kennedy Center he deems objectionable. The Kennedy Center, which has long enjoyed bipartisan support, has faced criticism and backlash for Trump's involvement. In February 2021, Trump ousted the center's leadership and installed himself as board chairman.
Despite the controversy, the Kennedy Center continues to be a beacon of arts and culture in the U.S., offering a diverse range of productions and maintaining its commitment to excellence in the performing arts.
- Trump's role as chairman of the Kennedy Center has led to a shift in the honorees for the Kennedy Center Honors, with Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Michael Crawford, Sylvester Stallone, and KISS being selected, emphasizing entertainment and celebrity appeal over more traditional arts figures.
- The Kennedy Center, under Trump's leadership, has faced criticism and backlash for his decision to "purge perceived objectionable programming," with artists such as Renee Fleming and Ben Folds choosing to cut ties with the institution.
