In brief
On Saturday, President Donald Trump hosted the recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors in the Oval Office, marking an apparent change in his engagement with the prestigious award during his administration. Honorees this year include actors and musicians such as Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and the band Kiss. Trump has been proactive in reshaping the Kennedy Center following a period of neglect during his first term, actively participating in the selection of winners and moving the medal presentation ceremony from its traditional venue to the White House. He is set to attend the taped tribute performances for the honorees scheduled for broadcast in December.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees in the Oval Office this past Saturday, marking a notable change in his relationship with the prestigious arts organization. This year's honorees include actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. The White House characterized the occasion as a medal presentation ceremony.
During his first term, Trump typically sidelined the Kennedy Center and its awards program. However, since resuming office, he has taken significant steps to overhaul its leadership and policies. Notably, Trump dismissed the previous board of trustees, replacing them with supporters of his administration.
In comments made in August, Trump revealed he had a hand in selecting the 2025 honorees, declaring that his involvement was about 98% in contrast to the previous method of selection by a bipartisan committee.
Following the ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump was scheduled to attend an annual State Department dinner for the honorees, though the focus on the White House event indicates a shift in how such honors are presented in his administration.
The Kennedy Center Honors gala, featuring tribute performances for the honorees, will be taped and broadcast later in December on CBS and Paramount+. This will mark the first time Trump attends the gala as president, with first lady Melania Trump accompanying him.
Traditionally, presidents simply attend the event and sit amongst honorees, but Trump is breaking protocol by taking on a more prominent role as host, a position not previously held by any U.S. president.
Earlier, Trump participated in the FIFA World Cup draw for 2026 and was awarded an inaugural peace prize before meeting with Canadian and Mexican leaders, emphasizing an active engagement in both cultural and international affairs.
