Trump names Stallone and Kiss for Kennedy Center Honors and says he'll host the awards show
wxow.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 8:28:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Media Coverage & Press Relations, Political Protests & Rallies, Social Media & Public Statements
President Donald Trump has put a personal touch on this year's Kennedy Center Honors
WASHINGTON (AP) -- As the new chairman of the Kennedy Center, President Donald Trump added a highly personal stamp to this year's announcement of the recipients of the annual honors, whom he named as country music star George Strait, "Rocky" actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor, the rock band Kiss and actor-singer Michael Crawford.
Instead of the Kennedy Center revealing the names through a press release as usual, Trump announced the honorees himself during a Wednesday press conference at the site, where he was flanked by American flags and photo stands for each of the entertainers that were initially covered by red drapes. Unlike in his first term, when he didn't even attend the honors ceremony, he announced that he would be hosting it later this year and that he had been deeply involved with the selection process. He also suggested he might choose himself for a future award.
The spectacle marked a new era for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which Trump has taken over by installing himself as chair and replacing the board of trustees with loyalists. He has even hinted he'd like to see the venue renamed the Trump/Kennedy Center.
Trump has made revamping the Kennedy Center -- and what he calls its "woke" agenda -- the center of an ongoing push to overhaul such cultural institutions as the National Endowment of the Humanities and the Smithsonian museums.
A bipartisan history
The Kennedy Center Honors were established in 1978 and have been given to a broad range of artists. Until Trump's first term, presidents of both major political parties traditionally attended the annual ceremony, even when they disagreed politically with a given recipient.
Prominent liberals such as Barbra Streisand and Warren Beatty were honored during the administration of Republican George W. Bush, and a leading conservative, Charlton Heston, was feted during the administration of Democrat Bill Clinton.
At least some of this year's winners have a history of backing Trump. Stallone is a prominent supporter who has called Trump "the second George Washington" and was named by the president, along with Jon Voight and Mel Gibson, as a Hollywood special ambassador. Founding Kiss member Ace Frehley endorsed Trump in 2020, calling him "the strongest leader we've got." Meanwhile, fellow Kiss musician Paul Stanley has often criticized the Republican president, notably his resistance to accepting his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020.
"After numerous audits, debunked claims of rampant voter tampering, dead people voting & the countless cases thrown out by Trump appointed judges & others ... When is not getting the hoped for result accepted?? Biden won," Stanley tweeted at the time.
The Kennedy Center informs honorees in advance, and all four original Kiss performers, who also include Gene Simmons and Peter Criss, issued statements through a band publicist.
"The prestige of the Kennedy Center Honors cannot be overstated and I accept this on behalf of the long legacy of Kiss and all of the band members who helped create our iconic band," Stanley said.
Kiss and the other nominees have had substantial, even iconic, careers. Stallone's portrayals of the underdog boxer Rocky Balboa and Vietnam veteran John J. Rambo are fixtures in popular culture. Strait's dozens of chart-topping hits, including "Check Yes or No" and "I Cross My Heart," have led to his nickname the King of Country Music. Few bands have sold more records or more famously covered their faces in makeup than Kiss, members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Crawford is a celebrated stage actor who won a Tony for his starring role in "The Phantom of the Opera," and Gaynor is a leading star from the 1970s disco era whose "I Will Survive" is a feminist anthem.
Breaking with longtime tradition, none of the honorees was from the fields of dance, jazz or classical music.
This year's Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will take place on Dec. 7 and will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
A personal approach
Historically, a bipartisan advisory committee selects the recipients, who over the years have ranged from George Balanchine and Tom Hanks to Aretha Franklin and Stephen Sondheim. Trump said Wednesday that he was "about 98% involved" in choosing the honorees and conferred with such handpicked Kennedy Center officials as Ric Grenell and Sergio Gor. He said he "turned down plenty" of names, saying those individuals were "too woke" or too liberal. He described the artists he announced Wednesday as "great people" and quipped upon unveiling an image of the 73-year-old Strait: "Good looking guy. I hope he still looks that way."
Besides naming himself chairman and remaking the board, Trump has indicated he'd take over decisions regarding programming at the center and vowed to end events featuring performers in drag. In choosing himself as the host of December's gathering, he takes on a role once filled by Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, the center's namesake.
The steps have drawn further criticism from some artists. In March, the producers of "Hamilton" pulled out of staging the Broadway hit musical in 2026, citing Trump's aggressive takeover of the institution's leadership.
House Republicans added an amendment to a spending bill Trump signed into law in July to rename the Kennedy Center's Opera House after first lady Melania Trump, but that venue has yet to be renamed. Maria Shriver, a niece of JFK and a longtime Democrat, has criticized as "insane" a separate House proposal to rename the entire center after Trump.
Italie reported from New York. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent announcement of the Kennedy Center Honors recipients by President Donald Trump marks a significant departure from the tradition of bipartisan celebration of artistic achievement in the United States. The Kennedy Center, established to honor cultural contributions, has historically bridged political divides, recognizing talent regardless of political affiliations. However, Trump's unilateral approach, including appointing himself as chair and replacing the board with loyalists, signals a troubling shift towards politicizing cultural institutions. This move echoes a broader historical pattern where cultural recognition has been co-opted for political gain, leading to the marginalization of diverse voices in the arts.
Historically, the Kennedy Center Honors have celebrated a wide array of talents, fostering an environment of mutual respect among individuals from various political backgrounds. Artists such as Barbra Streisand and Warren Beatty received honors during George W. Bush's presidency, demonstrating an acknowledgment of artistic contributions beyond partisan lines. Trump's decision to announce honorees himself and to host the ceremony suggests an attempt to centralize cultural authority and redefine what constitutes merit in the arts. This trend poses a direct threat to the integrity of artistic recognition, favoring those who align with the political whims of the administration over a fair and inclusive evaluation of talent. The implications of this politicization extend beyond the Kennedy Center, potentially influencing funding and support for the arts at large.
Furthermore, Trump's term has been marked by a disdain for what he terms the "woke" agenda, which he claims undermines traditional American values. This rhetoric is deeply intertwined with the broader culture wars that have been escalating across the United States. The attempt to "revamp" institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Smithsonian reflects a desire to reshape the narrative of American history and culture to fit a more conservative mold. By promoting artists who support his administration while undermining those who challenge it, Trump is not only attempting to rewrite the history of American arts but also to diminish the voices of marginalized communities that have historically contributed to this rich tapestry.
The choice of honorees such as Sylvester Stallone and the band Kiss, both of whom have shown varying levels of support for Trump, further illustrates this trend. While Stallone's praise of Trump reflects a personal alignment, it is essential to recognize the broader implications of such endorsements. The arts have long served as a space for dissent and critique, acting as a counterbalance to power. In contrast, aligning cultural recognition with political loyalty risks stifling the very essence of artistic expression. This approach threatens to create a culture where only those who conform to specific political ideologies are celebrated, thereby undermining the diversity that the arts should represent.
Moreover, the historical context of artist activism cannot be ignored. Throughout U.S. history, artists have used their platforms to advocate for social justice, civil rights, and political change. This rich tradition serves as a reminder of the power of art as a tool for resistance against oppressive regimes. The ongoing struggles for racial, economic, and environmental justice are inherently tied to the arts, as artists have been at the forefront of these movements, using their voices to elevate marginalized narratives. By co-opting institutions like the Kennedy Center, Trump's administration risks extinguishing this vital connection between art and activism, which has been essential for fostering social change.
In conclusion, Trump's recent actions regarding the Kennedy Center Honors reflect a broader trend of politicizing cultural institutions, raising critical questions about the future of artistic recognition in the United States. As the nation grapples with ongoing social struggles, it is imperative to advocate for a return to the original intent of these honors—celebrating artistic excellence without political bias. The historical significance of the Kennedy Center should not be lost to partisan agendas; rather, it should serve as a reminder of the power of art to unite across differences and to inspire collective action for social justice. It is incumbent upon all advocates for the arts to resist this trend and to emphasize the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and artistic freedom in the face of political attempts to control cultural narratives.
The recent announcement of the Kennedy Center Honors recipients by President Donald Trump, alongside his controversial chairmanship of the center, marks a significant shift in the way cultural institutions are governed and portrayed in the United States. This move to personalize the Kennedy Center, a once-apolitical institution recognized for honoring artistic excellence, raises questions about the integrity of the arts and the political motivations behind such changes. Trump’s selection of honorees, many of whom have publicly supported him, coupled with his idea of possibly renaming the center to reflect his own brand, suggests a troubling trend: the politicization of culture and the erosion of artistic independence.
Historically, the Kennedy Center Honors have celebrated a broad spectrum of artists regardless of their political affiliations. The tradition of honoring diverse talents, from Barbra Streisand to Charlton Heston, is indicative of a collective appreciation for the arts that transcends partisan divides. By contrast, Trump's approach seems designed to reinforce his personal narrative and reward those who align with his ideology. This could be seen as a dangerous precedent—using a prestigious cultural institution as a platform for promoting partisan loyalty rather than a celebration of universal artistic contributions. Such actions echo previous instances in history where regimes have attempted to control cultural narratives, aiming to shape public perception and solidify power.
As concerned citizens, it is imperative that we maintain a critical stance towards these developments. The Kennedy Center, an institution meant to honor artistic achievement, should not become a tool for partisan gain. To counter this trend, we must advocate for the independence of cultural institutions, pushing back against any government attempts to impose political ideologies on art. This could involve supporting independent arts organizations, promoting grassroots initiatives that celebrate a wide array of artistic voices, and encouraging discussions about the role of art in society free from political meddling. Engaging in community dialogues and advocating for transparency in leadership positions within these institutions are essential steps to safeguard their neutrality.
Moreover, we can leverage this situation to educate the public about the historical importance of cultural institutions remaining independent. By highlighting past instances where art and politics have intertwined negatively, we can foster a deeper understanding of why it is crucial to keep these spheres separate. Conversations about the significance of artistic freedom, the role of cultural critique, and the dangers of “woke” agendas being politicized can encourage critical thinking among individuals who may not see the implications of Trump’s actions. Providing accessible resources and platforms for discussion can empower citizens to voice their concerns and challenge the status quo.
Ultimately, we must recognize that the arts are not merely entertainment; they are a reflection of society and a powerful vehicle for social change. As we approach the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors, let’s harness this moment to advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and the celebration of artistic merit over political allegiance. By actively engaging with these issues and fostering dialogue, we can work towards a cultural landscape that honors all voices and resists the encroachment of partisan politics into the realm of art. The stakes are high, and the need for vigilance is critical—let us stand firm in defense of artistic integrity and the values that support it.
The recent announcement regarding the Kennedy Center Honors, coupled with President Trump's personal involvement and the potential politicization of this cultural institution, raises several crucial points for reflection and action among concerned citizens. Here’s a comprehensive list of steps individuals can take to address this situation:
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Engage in Advocacy and Awareness** - Increase public awareness about the politicization of cultural institutions. - Encourage discussions around the importance of neutrality in the arts and cultural recognition.
2. **Support Independent Arts Organizations** - Contribute to or volunteer with independent arts organizations that prioritize inclusivity and diverse representation.
3. **Participate in Local Cultural Events** - Attend and actively support local cultural events that align with values of diversity and artistic integrity.
### Exact Actions We Can Personally Take
1. **Petitions** - **Create or Sign Petitions**: - Use platforms like Change.org to create or sign petitions advocating for the independence of cultural institutions. - Example Petition: “Preserve the Integrity of the Kennedy Center: A Call for Non-Partisan Leadership” - **Link**: [Change.org](https://www.change.org)
2. **Writing to Representatives** - **Contact Local and National Representatives**: - Write to representatives expressing concern about the politicization of the Kennedy Center and similar institutions. - **Example Representatives**: - **Senator Chuck Schumer** (D-NY) - Email: schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck - Mailing Address: 322 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 - **Senator Elizabeth Warren** (D-MA) - Email: warren.senate.gov/contact - Mailing Address: 309 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
3. **Utilize Social Media** - **Raise Awareness**: Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share thoughts and engage with others on the implications of Trump's involvement with the Kennedy Center. - Hashtag Campaigns: Initiate or participate in hashtag campaigns such as #ArtsNotPolitics or #KennedyCenterIntegrity.
4. **Organize Community Dialogues** - Host or participate in community forums discussing the impact of political influences on cultural institutions. - Collaborate with local libraries, community centers, or universities to facilitate these discussions.
5. **Contact Media Outlets** - Write letters to the editor of local newspapers or online platforms critiquing the current direction of the Kennedy Center and calling for a return to apolitical recognition of the arts. - Example: Contact outlets like The New York Times or Washington Post to express concerns.
6. **Support Artistic Expression** - Purchase tickets or donate to performances and exhibitions that uphold creative integrity and resist political involvement. - Support artists and creators who focus on social justice, diversity, and inclusivity.
### What to Say
When reaching out to representatives or participating in dialogues, consider these points:
- Express your concern about the potential politicization of cultural institutions and its implications for the arts community. - Emphasize the importance of maintaining the Kennedy Center's tradition of honoring artists across the political spectrum. - Advocate for a return to a non-partisan approach that celebrates artistic achievement and cultural contributions without political bias. - Highlight the detrimental impact of replacing leadership with loyalists and how it threatens the integrity of cultural recognition.
By actively participating in these efforts, individuals can contribute to a movement aimed at preserving the integrity of cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center, ensuring they remain spaces for celebration, inclusivity, and artistic freedom.