US NEWS: The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will hold its 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors this weekend, and for the first time in the event’s history, President Donald Trump will serve as both host and the person handing out the prestigious awards.
The star-filled gala, long considered one of the capital’s premier cultural evenings, celebrates lifetime contributions to American performing arts. This year’s ceremony on Sunday night will mark a sharp departure from tradition, with the president stepping into the spotlight as master of ceremonies.
President Trump has already made significant changes to the Kennedy Center since returning to office. Earlier this year he removed several members of the board of trustees and named himself the new chairman. In a post on Truth Social, he explained the move was prompted by the center’s decision to allow drag performances in its venues. The building has also been added to the administration’s broader renovation plans, and the president has publicly discussed the possibility of renaming the performing arts complex.
The 2025 class of honorees includes five major figures from music, film, and theater:
Country music superstar George Strait, often called the King of Country Music Disco legend Gloria Gaynor, best known for the empowerment anthem I Will Survive Broadway icon Michael Crawford, who created the role of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera Award-winning actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone, the force behind the Rocky franchise and a longtime friend of President Trump The legendary rock band KISS, honoring founding members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley
Although the selection of honorees is typically managed by Kennedy Center staff, President Trump has said he gave final approval to this year’s list.
Attendees will notice another change when the awards are presented. The colorful rainbow sashes with large gold medallions that have been a signature part of the ceremony for decades are being replaced with new designs.
The nationally televised event takes place Sunday evening at the Kennedy Center Opera House, where the worlds of politics and entertainment will once again come together under an unusually prominent presidential presence.