In an unprecedented break with nearly five decades of tradition, President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. head of state to host the Kennedy Center Honors gala on Sunday night, presiding over the nation’s highest awards for artistic achievement in a ceremony that bore the distinct fingerprints of the Commander-in-Chief.
The 48th annual event celebrated a diverse group of American icons, including actor Sylvester Stallone, country music legend George Strait, disco pioneer Gloria Gaynor, Tony Award-winning actor Michael Crawford, and the rock band Kiss. The evening capped a two-day schedule of events that officially brought the prestigious arts prize firmly into the White House orbit.
From Oval Office to Opera House
The shift in presidential involvement marks a stark reversal from Mr. Trump’s first term, when he notably avoided the event. Since taking office this year, however, the President has taken a keen interest, personally announcing the honorees and overhauling the Center’s board.
- The Medal Ceremony: The weekend’s festivities began Saturday with a break from protocol, as the honorees received their distinctive medals—newly designed by Tiffany & Co.—not at the State Department, but in a televised ceremony inside the Oval Office of the White House. The President called the class of 2025 “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned” ever assembled.
- Hosting Debut: On Sunday, Mr. Trump took to the stage at the Kennedy Center Opera House to host the gala itself, a role usually filled by celebrities or past honorees. Stepping into the spotlight, the President quipped about his new role: “We never had a president hosting the awards before, this is a first.”
The night’s entertainment—which featured performances by country artists like Vince Gill and Miranda Lambert for George Strait, and tributes to Stallone’s Rocky legacy—was a heavy nod to the popular culture of the late 20th century.
A Celebration, A Controversy
While the night was largely dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the five honorees, the President’s central role underscored the politicization that has enveloped the arts institution this year.
The President stated in August that he was “about 98% involved” in choosing the recipients. The honorees, who included the influential rock band Kiss, were praised by Mr. Trump as a group whose work has “inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans.”
- A Quip to the Crowd: Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the President maintained his signature style, delivering several off-the-cuff remarks, including a joke aimed at some attendees: “So many people I know in this audience. Some good. Some bad. Some I truly love and respect. Some I just hate.”
For the honorees, the focus remained on their art. Actor Sylvester Stallone, who was honored for his iconic roles as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, accepted his medal in the Oval Office, smiling alongside the President he has publicly supported.
The unprecedented event ensures that the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors will be remembered not just for the artists it celebrated, but for the President who, for the first time, took center stage to conduct the show.