President Donald Trump isn’t just naming this year’s Kennedy Center honorees — he’s hosting the ceremony too. The president made an appearance at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, Aug. 13, revealing a new group of award recipients and teasing big changes for the institution’s future.
The list includes country legend George Strait, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, actor and singer Michael Crawford, the rock band Kiss, and action star Sylvester Stallone.
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Stallone previously tapped as ‘special envoy’
Stallone has been in Trump’s orbit for months now.
Back in January, Trump introduced him alongside actors Jon Voight and Mel Gibson as part of what he called his “eyes and ears” in Hollywood — a trio of industry veterans he believes can help restore what he described as a “troubled place.”
Sylvester Stallone has also demonstrated support for Trump. Recently, he attended the America First Policy Gala in Palm Beach, Florida. During the event, Stallone introduced Trump as the “second George Washington.”
In a Truth Social post in January, Trump added, “They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!”
Strait, Crawford, KISS were top picks
According to The Washington Post, George Strait, Michael Crawford and KISS had all been seriously considered for the honor prior to Wednesday’s announcement. Earlier this year, Trump also floated a list of names including Andrea Bocelli, Elvis Presley, and Babe Ruth.
In a Truth Social post Tuesday, Trump teased the announcement, joking: “GREAT Nominees for the TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER, AWARDS.”
He added that the institution had “fallen on hard times, physically, BUT WILL SOON BE MAKING A MAJOR COMEBACK!!!”
Trump also said Wednesday he was asked to host this year’s show — and accepted.
It would also mark Trump’s first time attending the ceremony. He and First Lady Melania Trump skipped the event during his first term after producer Norman Lear threatened a boycott in protest.
Political shakeup behind the scenes
This year’s awards come on the heels of a leadership shakeup at the Kennedy Center. In February, Trump fired the longtime director, ousted several Biden-appointed board members, and named himself chairman — replacing them with his own picks.
Since then, multiple artists have pulled out of scheduled appearances in protest, including actor Issa Rae and performers from “Hamilton.”
According to a source at the center speaking with NPR, staff were caught off guard by Trump’s announcement this week and said they’re often left out of the loop.
The center posted a message on X, writing, “Thanks to his advocacy, our beautiful building will undergo renovations to restore its prestige and grandeur.”
$250 million set aside for renovations
Wednesday marked Trump’s third visit to the Kennedy Center since taking office. According to CNN, Trump is expected to tour the building later in the day to review renovation plans. A White House official said $250 million in federal funding was set aside in July to help restore the space.
During his announcement, Trump mentioned renovations would be completed within the coming months.
He previously attended the opening night of “Les Misérables” in June — calling it one of his favorite shows. In Wednesday’s announcement, he said they raised $10 million at the fundraiser throughout the course of the show’s run at The Center.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance, were met with a mix of boos and cheers at the show’s opening night.
Honorees have included Scorsese, Warwick and Coppola
The Kennedy Center Honors are known for recognizing lifetime contributions to the arts. Previous honorees have included Martin Scorsese, Dionne Warwick, Queen Latifah and Francis Ford Coppola.
This year’s show will air in December on CBS.
