Trump Hosts Kennedy Center Honors, Challenges ‘Woke’ Culture/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, using the high-profile event to promote his cultural agenda and critique what he labels as “woke” influences in the arts. Trump praised honorees like Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and Kiss while emphasizing persistence as a shared trait. His appearance marked a break from tradition and signaled deeper political shifts within the cultural institution.
Trump Kennedy Center Quick Looks
- Trump hosted Kennedy Center Honors, praised five honorees
- Honorees included Stallone, Kiss, Gaynor, Strait, Crawford
- Trump criticized “woke” culture, emphasized persistence
- First president to actively host and address the ceremony
- Trump-led board now controls Kennedy Center operations
- Ceremony featured tribute to late Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley
- Trump joked about renaming venue the “Trump Kennedy Center”
- Past honorees were openly critical during Trump’s first term
- Honoree political views range from supportive to skeptical
Deep Look: Trump Uses Kennedy Center Honors to Spotlight Cultural Agenda
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, blending celebration of American artistic achievement with pointed commentary on cultural and political trends he has criticized throughout his presidency.
The honorees this year included actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, the rock band Kiss, country music legend George Strait, and Broadway actor Michael Crawford. Trump opened the ceremony with high praise, calling the artists “among the greatest ever to walk the face of the Earth” and noting their broad influence across generations.
“Billions and billions of people have watched them over the years,” Trump said from the stage, marking a notable shift in tradition by becoming the first sitting president to take an active role as host. Traditionally, presidents attended the event but remained in the audience. Trump, however, appeared on stage three times—at the beginning, after intermission, and at the end.
Trump’s involvement in the Kennedy Center has grown since his return to office in January. He has used the prestigious venue as a platform to criticize what he deems “woke” cultural trends, and has made structural changes to its leadership. He replaced much of the board with political allies, secured over $250 million in congressional funding for renovations, and now serves as board chair.
At one point during the night, Trump jokingly floated the idea of renaming the venue the “Trump Kennedy Center,” though he said such a decision would be left to the board.
The president described the night as “fantastic,” mixing warmth with barbed humor as he addressed the crowd. “So many people I know in this audience. Some good. Some bad. Some I truly love and respect. Some I just hate,” he said, in a moment that reflected his trademark bluntness.
Trump emphasized a theme of persistence, crediting the honorees for overcoming setbacks and rising from humble beginnings.
“In the words of Rocky Balboa, they showed us that you keep moving forward,” he said. He extended this sentiment to the audience, adding that many there were persistent as well—”miserable, horrible people,” he quipped—who “never give up.”
The selection of this year’s honorees reflected a mix of pop culture icons and performers with varied political leanings. Stallone is a long-time supporter of Trump and has been dubbed a “special ambassador” by the president. Gaynor, known for her hit “I Will Survive,” has donated to Republican causes. Strait and Crawford have remained largely apolitical in public. Kiss co-founder Gene Simmons has vacillated in his support, at times praising Trump but later criticizing his behavior and rhetoric. Fellow bandmate Paul Stanley condemned Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election but called for unity after Trump’s reelection in 2024.
The ceremony included moving moments, particularly during the tribute to Kiss. A red guitar emitting smoke was placed on stage in memory of Ace Frehley, the band’s original lead guitarist, who died in October following a fall. The night closed with Cheap Trick performing “Rock and Roll All Nite,” a high-energy finale that brought the audience to its feet.
Each honoree responded with emotion and gratitude. Stallone likened the experience to standing in the “eye of a hurricane,” saying the honor was overwhelming. Crawford described the recognition as “humbling,” especially late in his career. Gaynor said being honored “feels like a dream” and called it the “pinnacle” of her life’s work.
Outside the spotlight, Trump’s reshaping of the Kennedy Center has altered its bipartisan tradition. During his first term, multiple honorees voiced opposition to his leadership. In 2017, Norman Lear threatened to boycott the event if Trump attended, prompting the president to skip it entirely. This year, however, Trump not only attended but took full command of the evening.
He has claimed significant involvement in selecting the 2025 honorees, rejecting some suggestions for being “too woke.” According to Trump, the final list was narrowed from about 50 names. Though he did not disclose all who were considered and rejected, the final group reflects artists whose work and personal backgrounds align, to varying degrees, with Trump’s cultural vision.
Trump said the show, airing December 23 on CBS and Paramount+would break viewership records. He claimed he agreed to host “at the request of a certain television network” and said he did little to prepare for the appearance. “I have a good memory,” he told reporters, adding that he wanted to “just be myself.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in attendance with his wife—a Kennedy Center board member—said the president was “so relaxed in front of these cameras” and predicted an entertaining broadcast.
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, while designed to celebrate artistry, served equally as a reflection of the nation’s current political and cultural moment. Under Trump’s leadership, the event has become another arena where his administration seeks to redefine long-standing American institutions—on his terms.
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