WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Saturday hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees in the Oval Office in a ceremony that was presented as a medal presentation to the acclaimed artists. The recipients this year included actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, legendary rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford.
During his first term, Trump largely overlooked the Kennedy Center and its prestigious awards. However, since returning to office in January, he has made sweeping changes, including replacing the board of trustees with supporters who voted him into office. The president has further criticized the center’s programming and its aesthetic, pledging comprehensive reforms.
In August, Trump indicated that he was heavily involved in selecting the 2025 honorees, stating he was 'about 98% involved' when he announced them, a significant departure from the traditional practice of press releases. The methods by which the honorees were selected remain unclear, as the process previously involved a bipartisan committee.
Later on Saturday, Trump was scheduled to attend an annual State Department dinner honoring the recipients. Historically, the honorees received their medallions at this dinner, but the president has shifted the presentation to the White House. The Kennedy Center Honors show, featuring tributes to each honoree, will be filmed on Sunday for broadcast in December. This will be Trump's first attendance at the event as president, alongside First Lady Melania Trump.
Typically, presidents have only attended the honors, but Trump expressed a desire to act as host, arguing against the idea initially before acquiescing. He remarked on the unusual nature of his hosting role, which has never been undertaken by a sitting president before.
On Friday, Trump spent hours at the Kennedy Center, participating in the FIFA World Cup draw for 2026 and receiving its inaugural peace prize, as well as meeting with the leaders of Canada and Mexico.
During his first term, Trump largely overlooked the Kennedy Center and its prestigious awards. However, since returning to office in January, he has made sweeping changes, including replacing the board of trustees with supporters who voted him into office. The president has further criticized the center’s programming and its aesthetic, pledging comprehensive reforms.
In August, Trump indicated that he was heavily involved in selecting the 2025 honorees, stating he was 'about 98% involved' when he announced them, a significant departure from the traditional practice of press releases. The methods by which the honorees were selected remain unclear, as the process previously involved a bipartisan committee.
Later on Saturday, Trump was scheduled to attend an annual State Department dinner honoring the recipients. Historically, the honorees received their medallions at this dinner, but the president has shifted the presentation to the White House. The Kennedy Center Honors show, featuring tributes to each honoree, will be filmed on Sunday for broadcast in December. This will be Trump's first attendance at the event as president, alongside First Lady Melania Trump.
Typically, presidents have only attended the honors, but Trump expressed a desire to act as host, arguing against the idea initially before acquiescing. He remarked on the unusual nature of his hosting role, which has never been undertaken by a sitting president before.
On Friday, Trump spent hours at the Kennedy Center, participating in the FIFA World Cup draw for 2026 and receiving its inaugural peace prize, as well as meeting with the leaders of Canada and Mexico.
