Trump Hosts 48th Kennedy Center Honors
WASHINGTON — President Trump, dressed in a tuxedo, will host the 48th Kennedy Center Honors this Sunday evening. It’s a significant event since it’s the first time a sitting president has led this glamorous night in Washington, D.C.
At 79, Trump, who once aspired to be a theater producer, will pay tribute to stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, and Gloria Gaynor. This event concludes a transformative year for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Last week, Trump hinted, saying, “There’s a big event at the Trump Kennedy Center — excuse me, at the Kennedy Center.”
He nominated himself to lead the Kennedy Center and promptly dismissed all appointees made by former President Joe Biden. According to Trump, a significant overhaul was necessary, pointing to concerns like a prior decision to host drag shows at the iconic venue.
“The Kennedy Center, like so many other places in our country, is in deep disrepair, and much of that is due to poor management,” he stated after visiting the center in March. “This is unfortunate. This is what I’ve seen and what I’ve witnessed.”
On Saturday, he remarked that it’s the first time a sitting president has overseen such an awards ceremony, emphasizing that he’ll be critiqued regardless of his actions. Still, he believes he can outperform Jimmy Kimmel as a host.
Trump quipped, “If you can’t beat Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, I don’t think you should be president.”
Kimmel has hosted the Academy Awards before and has often voiced criticism of the president.
It’s not entirely clear how much influence Trump had in selecting the honorees, though Stallone is a known ally. The actor has become a cultural icon through his roles in films like “Rocky” and “Rambo,” while Gaynor is celebrated for her unforgettable hit “I Will Survive” and her vibrant performances.
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors occurs following the passing of Kiss’ first lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, who died in a fall last October. Other honorees include British actor Michael Crawford and country music legend George Strait.
Trump commented, “This is what I believe and I’m going to predict: This is going to be the highest rated show they’ve ever done.” He mentioned receiving positive feedback but acknowledged that future outcomes remain uncertain.
During a brief ceremony in the Oval Office on Saturday, he recognized the acclaimed performers ahead of the grand dinner.
The president has managed to gather around $250 million from Congress for renovations of the expansive complex. So far, one notable change includes the redesign of the award itself, shifting from three gold medals on a rainbow-patterned sash to a more elegant gold and rainbow medal.
The Kennedy Center Honors, an annual event celebrating individuals who have significantly impacted American arts and culture, has been a tradition since 1978. Trump did not participate during his first term, while past presidents typically attended rather than hosted.
The ceremony will be broadcast on December 23 at 8 PM ET on CBS and Paramount+.
