Trump Honors 2025 Kennedy Center Recipients

On December 6, 2025, President Trump awarded medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees in the Oval Office, celebrating those recognized for their significant contributions to American arts and culture.

The honorees included notable figures such as actor Sylvester Stallone, country music legend George Strait, singer Gloria Gaynor, and Kiss vocalist Michael Crawford.

“This is a collection of icons whose achievements have motivated and united countless Americans,” Trump remarked during the ceremony.

He emphasized their impact, stating, “These individuals represent some of the greatest talents of their time. It’s hard to imagine country music without its king or Broadway without its phantom. They have set the bar high within their fields.”

“Each of you has left a lasting impression on American culture, defining whole genres and raising standards in the performance arts,” he added.

The selection of Kennedy Honorees was made by a bipartisan committee that included the Board of Trustees and external arts advisors. However, Trump was notably involved this year, having taken on the role of chairman of the Kennedy Center board and ultimately making the final selections.

“I turned down many candidates because they were too woke,” Trump shared. “We wanted great talent, and this selection reflects that.”

Additionally, the president will host the Kennedy Center Honors gala scheduled for Sunday, adding another layer of excitement to the event.

“I’m expecting great reviews, right? They might say my performance was terrible, but honestly, I think it’ll be good,” Trump quipped on Saturday. “If I can’t outperform someone like Jimmy Kimmel, then maybe I shouldn’t even be president.”

He even predicted, “This will be the highest-rated event they’ve ever held, and trust me, it’ll be nothing like what’s come before.”

Initially hesitant to host the event, Trump agreed after encouragement from White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

“When they first asked me to host, I thought, ‘Really, I’m the president. Are you sure you want me to do this?’ But they insisted I would attract higher ratings,” he recalled. “So, I finally agreed.”

“I used to host ‘The Apprentice’ finales, and those were quite successful,” he stated, reflecting on his past experiences.

Ultimately, the event seems to be shaping up to be a memorable celebration of artistic talent and cultural contribution. Like many gatherings, it has its blend of anticipation and unpredictability that often comes with grand occasions. Let’s see how it unfolds.