Trump to Present Kennedy Center Honors Laureates in 2025

• Trump will serve as the host of the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in December 2025.
• Among the laureates are Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and KISS.
• The president actively participated in selecting the laureates, having dismissed "progressive" candidates.

President Donald Trump announced that he will be the host of this year's Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which will take place in December. This is the first instance in which a U.S. president will fulfill this role.

At the press conference, Trump presented the list of laureates, including notable figures such as: George Strait, Michael Crawford, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and KISS.

Trump noted that he received a request from the Kennedy Center board to be the host, and emphasized his involvement in selecting the laureates, asserting that he deviated from the few candidates due to their "progressive" views.

George Strait, a country music icon, is recognized for his significant career, with over 70 million albums sold. Michael Crawford, a musical star best known for his role in "The Phantom of the Opera," also became a laureate.

Sylvester Stallone, a star of the film "Rocky," received recognition for his contribution to cinema. Gloria Gaynor, whose song "I Will Survive" became a classic, and the rock group KISS, known for their popularity and impact on music, are also honored.

The ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements in the arts and culture of the U.S., and this year, Trump, considering his political position, chose laureates who are deemed more popular.

Tags: USA/Culture