WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump hosted the annual Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, celebrating Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, Gloria Gaynor and other performers for their contributions to American culture.
Trump, the first president to take the stage instead of sitting in a theater box, lauded the honorees as “legendary in so many ways.”
“Billions and billions of people have watched them over the years,” Trump said at the start of the ceremony, which was scheduled to air Dec. 23 on CBS and Paramount+.
The 2025 class of honorees also includes country music star George Strait and Tony Award winning actor Michael Crawford.
Trump described them as “among the greatest artists and actors, performers, musicians, singers, and songwriters ever to walk the face of the Earth.”
Since 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors have recognized individuals whose work has had a profound impact on American arts and culture.
Past honorees have included figures from theater, music, dance, and film, including Meryl Streep, Bob Dylan, Martha Graham and Stephen Sondheim.
Trump, who had skipped the ceremony during his first term, said he agreed to host the event at the request of a television network.
He noted in a State Department dinner for the honorees on Saturday that he expected the broadcast would achieve its highest ratings ever.
“Some of them have had legendary setbacks, setbacks that you have to read in the papers because of their level of fame,” Trump said from the stage.
“But in the words of Rocky Balboa, they showed us that you keep moving forward, just keep moving forward.” The president, known for his unorthodox approach to public appearances, said he did not prepare extensively for the hosting role.
“I have a good memory, so I can remember things, which is very fortunate,” he said. “But I just wanted to be myself. You have to be yourself.”
Cultural analysts noted that the ceremony marked a significant departure from tradition, with a sitting president taking on a performative role.
Dr. Helen Ramirez, a professor of American Studies at Georgetown University, said, “It is unusual for a president to host rather than attend, but it reflects the increasingly performative nature of political and cultural intersections in the US.
Entertainment industry insiders pointed out that Trump’s presence could boost viewership but might also generate controversy given his previous public remarks about arts institutions.
“Ratings are likely to spike,” said media analyst Jordan Lee of the Center for Broadcast Research. “The Kennedy Center Honors are typically solemn, but this introduces a new, highly visible dynamic.”
Honorees expressed gratitude and humility during the ceremony. Stallone, known for his iconic roles in Rocky and Rambo, described the event as “like being in the eye of a hurricane.” He said it was “hard to take in until the next day, but I’m incredibly humbled by it.”
Gaynor, who rose to fame with the feminist anthem I Will Survive, said she felt “like a dream” to be recognized. Gospel singer Mike Farris, performing for Gaynor, noted, “She truly did survive. What an iconic song.”
Kiss honored their late original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, who died in October. Co-founder Gene Simmons said the president had promised an empty chair in Frehley’s memory, a gesture the band described as deeply meaningful.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, attending with his wife, who serves on the Kennedy Center board, praised the president’s approach. “He is so relaxed in front of these cameras, and so funny,” Lutnick said. “I can’t wait for tonight.”
The Kennedy Center Honors have historically attracted viewership in the millions, with broadcasts drawing audiences that rival other major award ceremonies.
CBS reported that the 2024 broadcast reached approximately seven million viewers, with streaming platforms adding a significant online audience. Experts predict that Sunday’s show could surpass those numbers, in part due to Trump’s active hosting.
Observers anticipate that Trump’s hosting of the Kennedy Center Honors could influence the presentation of future cultural awards, potentially encouraging a more hands on role for public officials.
Dr. Ramirez said, “This may set a precedent, but it also raises questions about the balance between political presence and cultural neutrality in major arts ceremonies.”
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors recognized performers whose work has shaped American culture across decades.
Trump’s stage appearance marked a departure from tradition, drawing attention to both the honorees’ achievements and the evolving intersection of politics and entertainment.
The ceremony highlighted persistence, creativity, and cultural influence while offering audiences a distinctive moment in the history of the honors.
