The rock band Kiss expressed their gratitude for being named one of the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees, even while criticizing center chair Donald Trump as “abhorrent.”
Members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley shared their appreciation after receiving this prestigious recognition from the Trump administration. “Reports indicate,” they acknowledged.
Simmons cited the band’s identity with the American dream, saying he felt honored to receive the Kennedy Center accolade. “Kiss symbolizes everything that’s possible in America,” he shared.
Stanley remarked, “From our beginnings, Kiss embodied the idea that hard work leads to achievement. The prestige of the Kennedy Center cannot be overstated, and I accept this on behalf of everyone who contributed to our enduring legacy.”
Frehley described the honor as “a dream come true,”—something he didn’t expect.
Interestingly, Frehley had identified as a “Trump supporter” back in 2020, and Simmons has hailed Trump previously. Meanwhile, it seems that Stanley’s views have shifted over time.
In 2020, Stanley criticized Trump, calling it “shocking and shameful” for a candidate to suggest the election is rigged if they lose. “It’s offensive to those who fought for our electoral integrity,” he noted, implying it creates division.
On January 6, 2021, he again called out Trump, labeling the former president as a catalyst for “terrorists” involved in violent acts.
On Wednesday, President Trump announced the recipients of the 48th Kennedy Center honors, which included Kiss, legendary actor Sylvester Stallone, country star George Strait, British actor Michael Crawford, and iconic singer Gloria Gaynor.
