Chicago – December 07, 2025
President Donald Trump presented the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors medals to recipients in the Oval Office on Saturday, calling them the “most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled. The honorees include actor Sylvester Stallone, country singer George Strait, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, rock band Kiss, and Broadway star Michael Crawford.
Trump, dressed in a tuxedo, personally placed the new gold medallions—designed by Tiffany & Co. with rainbow colors and navy blue ribbons—around each neck. He praised Strait as the “king of country,” Gaynor as the “disco queen,” Crawford for his “Phantom of the Opera” role, Kiss as the “hottest band,” and Stallone as a “great legend” and personal friend. Songs by Gaynor and Kiss played in the Rose Garden during the event.
This marks a shift from Trump’s first term, when he ignored the program. He recently ousted the board, appointing GOP supporters and becoming chair amid “woke” accusations. Trump announced attending Sunday’s taping at the Kennedy Center, predicting record ratings as host.
