Trump Honors 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees in Oval Office Ceremony
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The Kennedy Center Honors took on a new tone Saturday, December 6, as President Donald Trump personally presented medals to the 2025 honorees during a ceremony in the Oval Office, marking a significant shift in the program’s history. Trump hailed the group – comprised of actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band KISS, and actor-singer Michael Crawford – as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled, emphasizing his direct involvement in their selection.
A New Era for the Kennedy Center Honors
This year’s ceremony represents a departure from tradition. For years, the Kennedy Center Honorees were traditionally announced via press release, with the President attending the Honors gala but not directly involved in the selection process. However, Trump announced the 2025 honorees personally at the Kennedy Center in August, stating he was “about 98% involved” in the choices. The selection process, previously overseen by a bipartisan committee, remains largely unclear.
This change in approach follows a period of distance between Trump and the Kennedy Center. During his first term, he largely ignored the awards program. Upon returning to office in January, however, he instituted sweeping changes, including the removal of the board of trustees and their replacement with supporters who subsequently voted him in as chairman of the board. He has also publicly criticized the center’s programming and vowed to overhaul its physical appearance.
The Ceremony and the New Medallion
The medal presentation itself marked another break with the past. According to the Kennedy Center and President Trump, the new medallions were designed, created, and donated by Tiffany & Co. The gold discs feature the Kennedy Center’s image and rainbow colors on one side, with the honoree’s name and the date of the ceremony etched on the reverse. This design replaces the previous medallion, which consisted of a large rainbow ribbon adorned with three gold plates.
The ceremony unfolded with moments of personal interaction. Country singer George Strait briefly removed his cowboy hat at Trump’s prompting, while the President lauded each honoree with personalized praise. He described Michael Crawford as a “great star of Broadway” for his role in Phantom of the Opera, Gloria Gaynor as “the disco queen,” and Sylvester Stallone as “one of the true, great movie stars.” He also celebrated KISS as an “incredible rock band.” Songs by Gaynor and KISS were played in the Rose Garden as members of the press awaited the ceremony’s conclusion.
Trump’s Expanding Role and Anticipated Broadcast
Beyond the medal presentation, Trump is also hosting the Kennedy Center Honors program itself, a first for any president. Traditionally, presidents attend the program and sit with the honorees. Trump predicted the broadcast, set to be taped on Sunday at the Kennedy Center and aired later in December on CBS and Paramount+, will achieve “the highest ratings ever.” He will be accompanied by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump.
The President also attended an annual State Department dinner for the honorees Saturday, a tradition he moved from its previous location to the White House. This series of changes underscores a deliberate effort to reshape the Kennedy Center Honors to reflect his personal vision and priorities.
“Each of you has made an indelible mark on American life and together you have defined entire genres and set new standards for the performing arts,” Trump stated, acknowledging the lasting impact of the 2025 honorees.
