WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Saturday was hosting the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees in the Oval Office for what the White House described as a medal presentation ceremony.
This year’s recipients are actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford.
During his first term, Trump ignored the Kennedy Center and its marquee awards program. However, since returning to office in January, the Republican president instituted a series of changes, most notable being ousting its board of trustees and replacing them with GOP supporters who voted him as chairman.
Trump has voiced criticism towards the center’s programming and its physical look, vowing to overhaul both.
In August, he stated he was 'about 98% involved' in the selection of the 2025 honorees, a departure from the traditional press release announcement method. How this year's honorees were chosen remains unclear, as it previously fell under the responsibilities of a bipartisan selection committee.
After the Oval Office event, Trump is set to attend an annual State Department dinner for the honorees. In previous years, recipients would receive medallions at this dinner, but it appears Trump has shifted this ceremony to the White House.
The Kennedy Center Honors program, known for its series of tribute performances for each honoree, is scheduled for filming on Sunday at the performing arts center, with a broadcast planned later in December on CBS and Paramount+. This marks the first time Trump will attend the event as president, with his wife, first lady Melania Trump, accompanying him.
Trump previously mentioned he would host the show, although the White House has not provided details on the nature of his participation. Traditionally, presidents attend and sit with the honorees in the audience, while none have ever taken on the hosting role.
Trump remarked: 'I’ve been asked to host. I said, 'I’m the president of the United States. Are you fools asking me to do that?' However, under persuasion from his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, he agreed to proceed.
On Friday, Trump dedicated several hours to the Kennedy Center, participating in the FIFA World Cup draw for 2026 and accepting its inaugural peace prize, alongside group meetings with leaders from Canada and Mexico.
