President Donald Trump awarded medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during a ceremony held in the Oval Office on March 15, 2025. He praised the selected artists, asserting that they represent “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled by the center. This year’s recipients include actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford.
Trump’s involvement with the Kennedy Center has notably increased since he returned to office in January. During his first term, he largely bypassed the center’s prestigious honors program. Recently, he made significant changes, including the removal of its board of trustees and replacing them with supporters. In light of these developments, Trump has openly criticized the center’s programming and appearance, promising an overhaul.
At the ceremony, each honoree received a new medal designed and donated by Tiffany & Co.. The medal features a gold disc etched with the Kennedy Center’s image and vibrant rainbow colors on one side, while the reverse displays the honoree’s name and the date of the ceremony. This new design replaces the former large rainbow ribbon adorned with gold plates.
Outside the Oval Office, songs performed by honorees Gaynor and Kiss echoed in the Rose Garden, creating a festive atmosphere as members of the White House press corps awaited entry. Trump mentioned that he was “about 98% involved” in selecting the 2025 honorees, marking a departure from the previous tradition of announcing recipients through press releases. Historically, a bipartisan selection committee handled the process.
Later on the same day, Trump was scheduled to attend an annual State Department dinner for the honorees. Traditionally, medallions are presented during this dinner; however, Trump opted to hold the award ceremony at the White House instead.
The Kennedy Center Honors program, which includes a series of tribute performances for each recipient, is set to be recorded the following day for broadcast in December on CBS and Paramount+. This event marks Trump’s first attendance as president, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. While he mentioned in August that he would host the program, the White House has not provided details on his specific role.
“I’ve been asked to host. I said, ‘I’m the president of the United States. Are you fools asking me to do that?’” Trump recounted. He then explained how his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, encouraged him to take on the hosting duties.
The president dedicated several hours on March 14, 2025, to the Kennedy Center, participating in the FIFA World Cup draw for 2026 and receiving its inaugural peace prize. Additionally, he held discussions with leaders from Canada and Mexico, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation.
As the Kennedy Center continues its tradition of honoring artistic excellence, the 2025 honorees represent a diverse array of talent, showcasing the enduring influence of art in American culture.
