Trump Becomes First Sitting U.S. President to Host Kennedy Center Honors

By Ginika Igboke

President Donald Trump on Sunday became the first U.S. president to personally host the Kennedy Center Honors, marking a significant moment in the ceremony’s nearly five-decade history. The annual event, established in 1978, celebrates individuals whose work has had a profound impact on American culture, arts, and entertainment.

This year’s slate of honorees includes actor Sylvester Stallone, recognized for his iconic roles in the “Rocky” and “Rambo” franchises; Gloria Gaynor, whose anthem “I Will Survive” became a global symbol of resilience; legendary rock band KISS; country music icon George Strait; and acclaimed actor Michael Crawford, best known for originating the role of the Phantom in the original production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Opening the ceremony, Trump praised the honorees’ cultural influence, noting that “billions and billions of people have watched them over the years.” On the red carpet, he described the group as “truly unique,” adding that although the Kennedy Center Honors has spotlighted many remarkable artists in the past, this year’s lineup stands out as “unparalleled.”

Honorees shared their gratitude and reflected on their careers ahead of the event at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Stallone said he felt “incredibly humbled,” explaining that the magnitude of the recognition “really hits you the next day.” Crawford described the honor as especially meaningful “at the end of a career.” Gaynor said being selected “feels like a dream,” calling the recognition “the pinnacle.”

The Kennedy Center’s board, responsible for selecting the 2025 honorees, also chose Trump to host the ceremony—marking the first time the role has been filled by a sitting president rather than a celebrity. Past hosts have included Stephen Colbert, Queen Latifah, Gloria Estefan, David Letterman, and Walter Cronkite.

At a State Department dinner for the honorees the night before, Trump predicted that this year’s ceremony would become “the highest-rated show they’ve ever done,” citing strong historical viewership and the popularity of this year’s recipients. The full program will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on Dec. 23.

When asked about his preparation to host the event, Trump said he relied on his memory and instinct: “I wanted to just be myself. You have to be yourself.” He referenced television legend Johnny Carson as an example of authenticity.

Trump has previously floated the idea of renaming the Kennedy Center to the “Trump–Kennedy Center,” though he downplayed the idea when asked on Sunday, saying the decision rests with the board.

The ceremony, long considered one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural events, marked a historic first with the president as host and highlighted the enduring contributions of some of America’s most influential performers.