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Sunday, Dec 28, 2025
Outside the box.
President Trump Makes History as First U.S. President to Host the 48th Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C.
Trump presides over the annual celebration of American cultural achievement with tributes to iconic artists and performers
President Donald J. Trump hosted the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., marking the first time in history that a sitting U.S. president has taken on the role of host for the prestigious event.
The ceremony, held on December 7 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, recognised a distinguished group of artists whose contributions have shaped American culture and captured global audiences.
Honourees celebrated during the evening included actor Sylvester Stallone, country music legend George Strait, disco singer Gloria Gaynor, celebrated stage and screen actor Michael Crawford, and the iconic rock band Kiss, whose members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and late guitarist Ace Frehley were recognised for their enduring influence on music and performance.
In his remarks, President Trump paid tribute to each recipient, describing them as “legendary” figures whose work resonates widely across generations.
He emphasised the role of the performing arts in American cultural life and highlighted the honourees’ extraordinary achievements, noting their impact on entertainment and the arts.
The ceremony was broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, bringing the celebration into homes across the United States later in December.
Trump’s involvement followed his appointment as chairman of the Kennedy Center board earlier in the year, a move that underscored his administration’s interest in promoting and shaping national cultural platforms.
While the occasion celebrated artistic excellence, it also took place amid ongoing debates over artistic freedom and institutional governance, with recent changes at the Kennedy Center drawing both praise and attention.
Nonetheless, the 48th Kennedy Center Honors stood out for its historic nature and for highlighting the contributions of some of America’s most influential performers and creators.
The ceremony, held on December 7 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, recognised a distinguished group of artists whose contributions have shaped American culture and captured global audiences.
Honourees celebrated during the evening included actor Sylvester Stallone, country music legend George Strait, disco singer Gloria Gaynor, celebrated stage and screen actor Michael Crawford, and the iconic rock band Kiss, whose members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and late guitarist Ace Frehley were recognised for their enduring influence on music and performance.
In his remarks, President Trump paid tribute to each recipient, describing them as “legendary” figures whose work resonates widely across generations.
He emphasised the role of the performing arts in American cultural life and highlighted the honourees’ extraordinary achievements, noting their impact on entertainment and the arts.
The ceremony was broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, bringing the celebration into homes across the United States later in December.
Trump’s involvement followed his appointment as chairman of the Kennedy Center board earlier in the year, a move that underscored his administration’s interest in promoting and shaping national cultural platforms.
While the occasion celebrated artistic excellence, it also took place amid ongoing debates over artistic freedom and institutional governance, with recent changes at the Kennedy Center drawing both praise and attention.
Nonetheless, the 48th Kennedy Center Honors stood out for its historic nature and for highlighting the contributions of some of America’s most influential performers and creators.
