US President Donald Trump has announced the recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, an esteemed recognition in the performing arts. The honorees include country music icon George Strait, action film legend Sylvester Stallone, and the rock band Kiss. Additionally, celebrated English stage actor Michael Crawford, famed for his role in *The Phantom of the Opera*, and disco star Gloria Gaynor, known for her anthem *I Will Survive*, will also receive accolades.
The event is scheduled to take place later this year, with a broadcast on CBS in December. Trump expressed that he was asked to host the gala and accepted the role with some reluctance, stating, “I didn’t want to do it. OK? They’re going to say he insisted. I did not insist. But I think it will be quite successful.”
Renovation Plans for the Kennedy Center
On the same day as the announcement, Trump visited the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to unveil the honorees and to promote a significant renovation project. Lawmakers are currently pushing to rename the venue in honor of Trump, reflecting his growing influence over the institution.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump teased the announcement by referring to the event as the “TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS.” He outlined plans to restore the Kennedy Center to “the absolutely top level of luxury, glamour, and entertainment,” committing to a “full renovation” of the venue. Trump emphasized that the goal is to elevate the center to become a “crown jewel” of arts and culture in the United States, with aspirations for it to play a significant role in the upcoming celebrations for the country’s 250th anniversary.
Trump’s Cultural Influence
Since his return to office in January, Trump has sought to leave his mark on American culture and institutions, aligning them more closely with his political agenda. His administration has initiated a review of various Smithsonian museums and exhibitions aimed at eliminating what he describes as “divisive or partisan narratives.”
During his first term, Trump did not engage with events at the Kennedy Center, but he has shown a keen interest in the institution during his second term. His actions include replacing its chairman and president, appointing Richard Grenell, his former ambassador to Germany, as interim president.
The Kennedy Center, which opened in September 1971, announced that its renovations will be made possible thanks to Trump’s advocacy, with a focus on restoring its “prestige and grandeur.” The center’s transformation aims to reflect a new vision for American culture that aligns with Trump’s values and priorities.
