Trump presented the prestigious award, which recognizes contributions to American culture and the arts, to actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford, all of whom now make up the 2025 class of Kennedy Center honorees.
“This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted, and unified millions and millions of Americans,” the president said in his remarks. “This is perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.”
Each honoree received a medal designed by American jeweler Tiffany & Co., a change that Trump implemented as he reshapes and redesigns the Kennedy Center. Previously, recipients got a rainbow ribbon necklace that featured three gold plates.
In his brief remarks in the Oval Office, Trump also touted the renovations underway at the Kennedy Center, which include restoration of the exterior marble, seating, and stages.
“We are making something really special,” the president said. “It’s been mistreated, a little bit like the White House has been mistreated to be honest with you, and we are bringing it back to a level that I don’t think any place in the country will see.”
Trump later previewed his hosting duties for the Kennedy Center Honors program, which is set for Sunday, by digging at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
“I’ve watched some of the people that host. Jimmy Kimmel was horrible,” he said. “If I can’t beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don’t think I should be president.”
Trump will be the first president to host the Kennedy Center Honors, an event he skipped during his first term. It will also mark the second time this week he has taken the stage at the Kennedy Center.
TRUMP FINALLY GETS HIS PEACE PRIZE AS FIFA HANDS HIM INAUGURAL AWARD AT WORLD CUP DRAW
On Friday, he appeared as a special guest at the FIFA World Cup draw ceremony, where he received a peace prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Trump called that ceremony “truly one of the great honors of my life.”
