Trump takes over Washington’s most glam night, will host Kennedy Center Honors
WASHINGTON — In a historic twist, President Trump will don a tuxedo and take the stage as host for Sunday’s 48th Kennedy Center Honors, making him the first sitting president to lead the nation’s most glamorous nighttime event in DC.
At 79, the former president—once known for a dream of running a theater company—has set the line‑up to include iconic names such as Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, and Gloria Gaynor, wrapping up a year of sweeping changes to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
“There’s a big event,” Trump teased in a recent interview, “at the Trump‑Kennedy Center — excuse me, at the Kennedy Center.”
After declaring himself chair of the Kennedy Center’s board, Trump swiftly removed all appointees left behind by former President Biden, arguing that a rigorous overhaul was necessary. He cited concerns over the center’s decision to welcome drag‑show performances—among other issues—that he saw as proof of mismanagement.
In March, following a personal tour of the venerable venue, Trump told reporters, “Kennedy Center is in tremendous disrepair, as is a lot of the rest of our country, most of it because of bad management.” He added, “This is a shame, what I’ve watched and witnessed.”
On Saturday, he declared that hosting the awards would be unprecedented for a serving president. While acknowledging that criticism would follow—whether right or wrong—he insisted he’d outshine Jimmy Kimmel in hosting ability.
“If I can’t beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don’t think I should be president,” Trump joked.
While it’s unclear how much influence Trump had on the finalists, Stallone—who serves as his ambassador to Hollywood—is among the honorees. Stallone’s inclusion highlights his status as a cultural icon through films like Rocky and Rambo. Kiss earns praise for their flamboyant performances, and Gaynor is celebrated for the enduring hit “I Will Survive.” Other celebrated figures that night include British actor Michael Crawford and country legend George Strait.
The ceremony comes only months after the passing of Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of Kiss, who died in October following a fall.
Trump has already celebrated the recipients during a quick Oval Office ceremony before the gala. The president also secured nearly $250 million in congressional funding to renovate the sprawling complex.
Changes so far include a redesign of the award insignia. The old rainbow‑patterned sash with three gold medals has been replaced by a more streamlined gold‑and‑rainbow medallion.
The Kennedy Center Honors, a staple event since 1978 that spotlights American artists’ contributions to culture, will air on CBS and Paramount+ on Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.
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