Washington’s Kennedy Center is set to showcase an array of celebrated figures in the arts during the annual Kennedy Center Honors this Sunday, with a notable twist: Donald Trump will be hosting the event. This marks the first time a sitting president has taken the stage in this capacity rather than observing from the audience.
The choice of host is significant, highlighting Trump’s ongoing engagement with the arts community amid his critiques of what he terms “woke” cultural movements. By taking this prominent role, he aims to reposition the Kennedy Center—historically a symbol of bipartisan artistic achievement—within a partisan framework conducive to his administration’s ideals.
Key Developments
- Trump, who has criticized the Kennedy Center’s programming, will act as host, a role traditionally held by journalists and comedians.
- Among this year’s honored figures are Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and Kiss, recognized for their significant contributions to American culture.
- The ceremony will also pay tribute to the late Ace Frehley of Kiss, with an empty chair symbolizing his absence.
- Trump’s involvement in selecting honorees reflects his desire to align the event with his political beliefs, rejecting nominees deemed “too woke.”
Full Report
Trump Takes the Stage
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors will feature Donald Trump in a hosting capacity, diverging from the traditional practice of presidents observing from the audience. Expressing confidence, Trump noted he did not prepare extensively for his remarks, relying instead on his memory. “I wanted to just be myself,” he said, invoking the iconic entertainer Johnny Carson as a guiding influence.
During a State Department event preceding the ceremony, Trump mentioned his role as host was extended at the request of a specific television network, expressing optimism for high ratings during the broadcast slated for December 23 on CBS and Paramount+.
Celebrating the Honorees
The event will honor notable figures such as Sylvester Stallone, recognized for his iconic roles in films like “Rocky” and “Rambo”; Gloria Gaynor, celebrated for her anthem “I Will Survive”; and Kiss, known for their theatrical performances. Renowned country artist George Strait and Tony Award-winning actor Michael Crawford are also among this year’s distinguished honorees.
As Kiss prepares for an emotional tribute, co-founder Gene Simmons disclosed that an empty chair would be reserved for Ace Frehley, who passed away recently. Stallone and Gaynor reflected on their emotions surrounding the honor, both expressing feelings of humility and disbelief at being acknowledged for their contributions to the arts.
Mixed Political Backgrounds
While some honorees have been publicly nonpartisan, others have expressed critiques of Trump. Simmons initially supported Trump but later expressed concerns about his leadership style. Fellow band member Paul Stanley openly denounced Trump’s actions following the 2020 election. Conversely, Stallone has shown support for Trump, comparing him to George Washington.
Context & Previous Events
The Kennedy Center Honors, established in 1978, have recognized influential artists across various domains including music, theater, and visual arts. Historically, honorees have included a wide array of artistic pioneers. Trump’s first presidency saw him skip the honors amidst tensions with several honorees, some of whom were openly critical of his administration. This year’s event, showcasing significant cultural figures, juxtaposes modern entertainment with the evolving political landscape in the U.S.
