The annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which recognizes lifetime contributions to American culture, was held on Sunday, with President Trump serving as host. This marked the first time a sitting U.S. President hosted the event. The ceremony, scheduled for broadcast on December 23 on CBS and Paramount+, honored Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, the band KISS, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford. The event featured several procedural and design changes following recent leadership transitions at the Kennedy Center.
Presidential Involvement and Leadership Changes
President Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, an unprecedented role for a U.S. President. During his first term, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump had not attended previous Honors events. His hosting duties followed his assumption of the role of chair for the center's board.
In February, President Trump replaced Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter and board chair David Rubenstein. Subsequent to these changes, staff members involved with the ceremony and broadcast resigned. During the event, President Trump addressed the audience from the stage, delivered closing remarks, and commented on efforts to reinvigorate the center.
Procedural and Design Modifications
Significant changes were implemented for this year's ceremony:
- Honoree Selection Process: Historically, honorees were chosen through a multi-month, bipartisan process involving Kennedy Center board members, public input, and consultation with past honorees such as Julie Andrews, Lionel Richie, and John Williams. Final selections were made by executive board members and senior staff. For the current year, President Trump stated a 98% involvement in the selection process and publicly announced the honorees at a press conference in August. This approach differed from the previous practice of announcements via the center's website and press releases.
- Medallion Design: The medallion traditionally presented to honorees at a State Department dinner featured a new design. For the first time since 1978, the medallions were not produced by the long-standing family of artists. The new design, created by Tiffany & Co., incorporates a blue ribbon with rainbow stripes on the medallion itself.
Tributes and Performances
Presenters and performers paid tribute to the honorees, generally focusing on personal stories related to their careers. The Kennedy Center maintains a practice of not disclosing the names of performers in advance.
- KISS: Paul Stanley commented on the passing of guitarist Ace Frehley. Garth Brooks delivered a tribute, and the band Cheap Trick performed "Rock and Roll All Nite."
- Sylvester Stallone: Composer Bill Conti performed selections from the "Rocky" score, and actor Kurt Russell shared remarks.
- Michael Crawford: Actor Kelsey Grammer spoke during his tribute. Mr. Grammer also remarked on the Kennedy Center, stating it was reportedly "falling down" and expressed support for investment in the institution.
- George Strait: Singer Vince Gill performed Strait's song "Troubadour." Additional tributes were provided by Brooks and Dunn and Miranda Lambert.
- Gloria Gaynor: Singer Elle King performed "I Will Survive." Content creator Montana Tucker introduced gospel performances in her honor.
Attendance and Related Statements
Questions regarding performer and former honoree attendance had arisen due to the institutional changes. While past events often saw broad participation, some individuals confirmed they would not attend this year. Former honoree Herbie Hancock, who had attended previous ceremonies and provided consultation in the selection process, was not present due to an Asia tour. Bonnie Raitt, an honoree from the previous year and a past tribute performer, also stated she would not attend. In August, President Trump remarked that he and the center's new leadership had "ended the woke political programming."
Senate Inquiry
In November, Senate Democrats initiated an inquiry into the Trump administration's management of the Kennedy Center, citing allegations of "cronyism and corruption." Richard Grenell, described as a Kennedy Center ambassador, publicly denied these accusations.