Trump presents medals to Kennedy Center honorees during Oval Office ceremony

On Saturday, President Trump awarded the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees their medals during a ceremony held in the Oval Office. He described the group as "perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class" in the history of the awards, highlighting his personal role in selecting the recipients.

This years honorees include actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. Trump praised them as "incredible people" who embody "the very best in American arts and culture," adding that he personally admires and knows most of them.

Trump emphasized the impact of the honorees, saying, "This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions of Americans." He repeated his assertion that this is possibly the most distinguished class of Kennedy Center honorees ever assembled.

Since returning to office, Trump has implemented changes at the Kennedy Center, including replacing its board of trustees with supporters who voted for him. These changes led to several artists canceling performances and some staff resignations. The White House had criticized the institution for being "woke" and conducted a review of its finances earlier in the year.

The new medals, presented by Trump, were designed and donated by Tiffany & Co. They feature a gold disc with the Kennedy Center image on one side and the honorees name with the ceremony date on the reverse, hanging from a navy blue ribbon. This replaced the previous large rainbow ribbon adorned with gold plates.

During the ceremony, George Strait, wearing a cowboy hat, was the first to receive his medal. Trump joked about whether he should keep the hat on, but Strait removed it. Crawford was recognized as a "great star of Broadway" for his role in "Phantom of the Opera," while Gaynor was celebrated as the "disco queen." Stallone was called "one of the true, great movie stars" and "a spectacular person," and Kiss was praised as an "incredible rock band."

Music from Gaynor and Kiss was played in the Rose Garden as the ceremony took place. Trump noted that he had been "about 98% involved" in selecting this years honorees, marking the first slate chosen under his direct oversight. Traditionally, honorees were announced by a bipartisan selection committee via press release.

Trump remarked on the significance of the honorees contributions, saying they have "defined entire genres and set new standards for the performing arts." He also attended the annual State Department dinner for the honorees, moving the medal presentation from that event to the White House.

The Kennedy Center Honors program, including tribute performances and speeches for each recipient, is scheduled to be taped on Sunday for later broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to attend, marking his first appearance as president at the event. Trump predicted the broadcast would achieve record ratings.

He expressed anticipation for the celebration, stating, "It's going to be something that I believe will be the highest-rated show that they've ever done." Presidents have traditionally attended the program as guests but never served as hosts.

Author: Grace Ellison