The Kennedy Center Honors unfolded with an unprecedented dynamic as President Donald Trump took center stage, a first for any president. He lauded the evening’s honorees – Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford, and George Strait – declaring them “legendary” and watched by “billions” throughout the years.
Trump framed the artists as titans of their fields, “among the greatest” to ever grace the world. His presence itself marked a shift, as he had previously skipped the event during his first term, a period where he frequently criticized the Kennedy Center and the broader cultural landscape as being “woke” and anti-American.
The decision to host the event, Trump revealed, came at the request of a television network, predicting record-breaking ratings for the December 23rd broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. He contrasted his active role with past presidents, who traditionally observed the ceremony alongside the honorees.
Despite claiming minimal preparation, Trump asserted his strong memory allowed him to simply “be myself” on stage. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed this sentiment, describing the President as “relaxed” and “funny” in front of the cameras.
Trump’s appearances were frequent, opening and closing the show, and introducing each honoree with pre-recorded tributes. His commentary was a blend of genuine praise and unexpected candor, acknowledging both those he “truly loved and respected” and those he “just hate” within the audience.
The Kennedy Center Honors, established in 1978, celebrate individuals who have profoundly impacted American culture. This year’s class represented a diverse range of iconic figures, from Stallone’s action heroes to Gaynor’s empowering anthem, “I Will Survive,” and Kiss’s flamboyant stage presence.
Country music legend George Strait and Tony Award-winning actor Michael Crawford, celebrated for his long run in “Phantom of the Opera,” completed the distinguished group. Trump highlighted a common thread among them: perseverance in the face of adversity.
He drew a parallel to Rocky Balboa, noting their ability to “keep moving forward,” a quality he also observed in many within the audience, though with a characteristic jab, adding that he sometimes wished they *would* give up.
A poignant moment occurred during the tribute to Kiss, as a lone, smoking red guitar was placed on stage in memory of Ace Frehley, the band’s original lead guitarist who recently passed away. The evening culminated in a spirited performance of “Rock and Roll All Nite” by Cheap Trick, igniting the audience.
The honorees themselves expressed humility and gratitude. Stallone described the experience as being in the “eye of a hurricane,” while Crawford called it “humbling, especially at the end of a career.” Gaynor simply stated it “feels like a dream.”
Trump’s involvement extended beyond the ceremony itself. He had previously reshaped the Kennedy Center’s leadership, installing Republican supporters and securing significant funding for renovations, even playfully suggesting a renaming to the “Trump Kennedy Center.”
This willingness to engage with artists across the political spectrum echoed historical precedents, recalling instances of Ronald Reagan honoring liberal playwright Arthur Miller and Bill Clinton recognizing gun rights advocate Charlton Heston.
During Trump’s first term, some honorees openly voiced their opposition, with one even threatening a boycott if the President attended. This year, Trump asserted his direct involvement in selecting the honorees, rejecting some recommendations he deemed “too woke.”
The political views of the honorees varied. While Stallone has publicly supported Trump, others, like Kiss member Paul Stanley, have been critical at times, yet ultimately called for unity after the recent election. Gloria Gaynor and George Strait have remained largely private about their political affiliations.
The evening was a complex tapestry of celebration, political undertones, and personal reflection, marking a unique chapter in the history of the Kennedy Center Honors.
