President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. (Photo credit: Kennedy Center/CBS)
The President Defied Kennedy Center Honors Tradition By Hosting The Ceremony
At past Kennedy Center Honors, the president and first lady typically sit beside the honorees in the balcony. However, during his first term, President Donald Trump notably avoided attending the ceremony every year.
Now, in his second term, Trump will not only attend the ceremony but also host it.
On Dec. 23, the Kennedy Center Honors were broadcast on CBS, with honorees including country artist George Strait, stage actor Michael Crawford, film actor Sylvester Stallone, disco singer Gloria Gaynor, and the rock band KISS.
Guiding the show along as host was Trump.
“We never had a president hosting the awards before,” Trump said during a Kennedy Center medallion ceremony at the White House on Dec. 6. “This is a first.”
Upon being inaugurated as the 47th president, Trump has had his eye on the Kennedy Center. Unanimously selected as chair of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, he has been working to renovate the institution and reprioritize its funding.
During a March board meeting, Trump floated the idea of hosting the event, describing himself as “the king of ratings.”
Following the special program, Trump spoke to the press and praised the selection of this year’s class of honorees.
“This is a group that really is unique,” Trump said, adding that this year’s class “is really unparalleled.”
RELATED: Trump Presents George Strait With Kennedy Center Medallion
Trump Opened The Show With A Brief Speech of Introduction
President Trump referred to the Kennedy Center Honors as “one of the most important evenings in the American cultural realm.” He added that the honor is the nation’s highest recognition for lifetime achievement in the performing arts.
“Each of the incredible 2025 Kennedy Center honorees has earned the distinction many times over,” Trump said. “They’re among the greatest artists, actors, performers, musicians, singers, and songwriters ever to walk the face of the earth. Personally, I love them all, and I know that America loves them also. That is why this is such an amazing evening.”
The first celebrity to be honored was Sylvester Stallone. The president called the actor a “fantastic man and a fantastic talent.” Phantom of the Opera star Michael Crawford was next to be honored. Trump introduced his honors segment by calling Crawford a “once in a generation talent.”
Country legend George Strait had his turn in the spotlight. The president introduced Strait as the “one and only King of Country.” Gloria Gaynor and KISS were also honored. And in an unexpected performance, Garth Brooks performed on behalf of KISS.
How’d Trump Do As Host?
Trump stated on Dec. 6, “I believe — and I’m gonna make a prediction — this will be the highest-rated show that they’ve ever done, and they’ve gotten some pretty good ratings, but there’s nothing like what’s gonna happen tomorrow night.”
As of Dec. 23, it remains to be seen if he was right.
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