Ana Navarro, a co-host on “The View,” urged music legend Gloria Gaynor on Thursday to decline an invitation to the upcoming Kennedy Center Awards, where President Donald Trump is set to be honored.
Navarro reminisced on Instagram about meeting Gaynor at a concert, where the singer gave her a keepsake related to her hit song “I Will Survive.” She expressed her discontent at the thought of Gaynor being recognized at an event led by Trump.
“Recently, Trump announced he selected her for this honor, and he’ll be hosting,” Navarro lamented. “Gaynor is a goddess deserving of all the accolades, but Trump’s presence tarnishes the significance of the Kennedy Center Honors. Please reconsider, Gloria!”
On Wednesday, Trump, who is now the president of the Kennedy Center board, published a list of honorees for the 48th Kennedy Center Honors scheduled for December. Alongside Gaynor, country icon George Strait, rock band Kiss, actor Sylvester Stallone, and British performer Michael Crawford will also be celebrated.
A representative for Gaynor shared that she feels “congratulated and honored” to receive the award. She hopes her acceptance will perpetuate the inspiration connected to her famous anthem, emphasizing the themes of empowerment and unity.
“I’ve always tried to create avenues to help others, and I trust that this honor will allow me to continue that legacy,” Gaynor’s representative remarked.
Despite Navarro’s public plea, Gaynor’s team hasn’t issued a comment regarding the matter as of Thursday.
Trump plans to host the awards following a recent overhaul of the Kennedy Center, where he removed several board members, placing in their stead those aligned with his views.
In a statement from February, Trump expressed his desire to reshape the Center for Performing Arts, aiming to eradicate what he perceived as problematic programming under previous leadership.
His actions have drawn criticism from various figures in the entertainment industry, leading some to step back from their roles and cancel events at the venue.
