By Gloria Ogbonna
President Donald Trump made history as the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors, and in an unexpected twist, major mainstream outlets offered notably positive coverage of his performance and presentation style.
Both Politico and The Washington Post typically critical of the Trump administration highlighted his poise, polish, and showmanship throughout the night, marking a rare moment of bipartisan acknowledgment.
Politico Playbook reported that Trump, who had braced himself for the usual negative headlines, delivered a performance that was “not half bad.” Reporters Megan Messerly and Jack Blanchard pointed out how comfortably he carried himself onstage, injecting confidence into a role presidents normally watch from the audience.
The Washington Post went even further, describing Trump as “loose and funny,” praising his focused, thoughtful delivery that appeared far more scripted and refined than many of his previous public remarks.
The outlet added that Trump’s imprint on the event amounted to a “shakeup” of the long-standing Kennedy Center tradition, reshaping the gala with his own flair and direction.
Trump stepped into the role of host after assuming control of the Kennedy Center earlier this year, following a sweeping leadership overhaul that brought in new staff and creative vision.
His hosting responsibilities were extensive: multiple appearances onstage, polished video introductions, red-carpet interviews, and nearly an hour of continuous engagement with attendees. Trump said he drew inspiration from icons like Johnny Carson and Bob Hope, hoping to bring a sense of spontaneity, humor, and classic showmanship to one of the nation’s most revered cultural events.
This year’s honorees represented a lineup Trump personally curated from a pool of dozens. They included legendary actor Sylvester Stallone, rock icons Kiss, Broadway titan Michael Crawford, country music superstar George Strait, and disco trailblazer Gloria Gaynor. Trump’s personal admiration for many of the honorees—especially Stallone, a longtime friend, and Crawford, whose “Phantom of the Opera” performance he regards as iconic—shaped the tone and structure of the tribute segments.
The event itself was a blend of glamour, nostalgia, and bold entertainment. In one video tribute, Trump praised Kiss as a “great rock and roll institution,” while hailing George Strait as a voice cherished by “American patriots everywhere.”
He credited Michael Crawford with “defining a role that will live forever,” and celebrated Gaynor as a “musical culture shifter” whose influence spans decades. Performances throughout the night included a standout tribute to Gaynor led by Elle King and a series of heartfelt dedications from musicians, actors, and friends of the honorees.
The Washington Post observed that Trump seemed genuinely delighted as he introduced each honoree and interacted with the audience, which included celebrities, high-profile political figures, and administration officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. While Hollywood attendance was more selective than in years past, notable stars including Kelsey Grammer and Kurt Russell took part in the festivities and tributes.
Saturday’s ceremony added another historic touch as Trump presided over the official medal presentation at the White House. Each honoree received a newly designed Tiffany & Co. gold medallion unveiled by Trump replacing the traditional rainbow-colored ribbon used for decades. Later at a State Department dinner, Trump praised the honorees as “some of the greatest of all time,” recounting how a major television network personally encouraged him to host the event himself.
On the red carpet, Breitbart News spoke with Kiss members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. Simmons complimented the redesigned Oval Office as “terrific,”
while Stanley described the night as “surreal,” emphasizing how hard work and opportunity define the American dream. Criss reflected sentimentally on the historic significance of standing in the Oval Office, acknowledging the weight of its legacy.
The Kennedy Center revealed that this year’s event generated a record-breaking $23 million in fundraising nearly double last year’s total. The unprecedented financial success, along with the extensive programming changes, underscores Trump’s sweeping impact on the institution since becoming its chairman earlier in the year.
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, featuring Trump as host, will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on December 23.
Source Breitbrat
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