Trump Honors Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and Others at Kennedy Center Ceremony

President Donald Trump honored a distinguished group of artists during a ceremony in the Oval Office on Saturday, presenting them with medals as part of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. This year’s recipients include actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. Trump described the current class as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned” ever assembled.

Changes at the Kennedy Center

While Trump had previously overlooked the Kennedy Center and its prestigious awards program during his first term, he has implemented significant changes since returning to office in January. One of his first actions was to replace the center’s board of trustees with supporters who voted him in as chairman. Trump has openly criticized the center’s programming and appearance, pledging to overhaul both.

At the ceremony, Trump placed a newly designed medal around each honoree’s neck. The medal, created and donated by Tiffany & Co., features a gold disc etched with the Kennedy Center’s image and rainbow colors on one side, while the reverse displays the honoree’s name and the date of the ceremony. The medals hang from a navy blue ribbon, replacing the previous large rainbow ribbon adorned with gold plates.

As members of the White House press corps awaited entrance, songs by honorees Gaynor and Kiss resonated in the Rose Garden just outside the Oval Office. Trump stated in August that he was “about 98% involved” in selecting the 2025 honorees, marking the first time he personally announced the recipients at the Kennedy Center, a departure from the traditional press release method.

Upcoming Events and Broadcasts

The selection process for honorees, which previously relied on a bipartisan committee, remains unclear under Trump’s leadership. Following the Oval Office ceremony, Trump was scheduled to attend an annual State Department dinner for the honorees. In a shift from tradition, the presentation of medallions, typically held at this dinner, was moved to the White House.

The Kennedy Center Honors program, known for its tribute performances for each recipient, will be taped on Sunday at the performing arts center. It is set to be broadcast later in December on CBS and Paramount+. This event marks Trump’s first attendance at the honors as president, where he will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.

Previously, presidents have attended the ceremony but have not hosted. Trump remarked, “I’m the president of the United States. Are you fools asking me to do that?” However, upon the suggestion of his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, he agreed to take on the role.

On Friday, Trump spent several hours at the Kennedy Center, participating in the FIFA World Cup draw for 2026 and accepting its inaugural peace prize. He also met with leaders from Canada and Mexico during this visit.