President Donald Trump personally awarded the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors medals to five performing-arts legends in the Oval Office Saturday, calling them “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” ever and becoming the first sitting president to host the traditionally nonpartisan ceremony at the White House.
The 2025 class includes a mix of rock, country, disco, Broadway, and film icons:
- Sylvester Stallone: Acclaimed actor known for the Rocky and Rambo franchises, celebrated for his contributions to American cinema.
- George Strait: Country music legend, often called the "King of Country," with over 100 million records sold and a record-tying 44 No. 1 hits.
- Gloria Gaynor: Disco pioneer and Grammy winner, best known for her anthem "I Will Survive," which has become a symbol of resilience.
- KISS: Rock band members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss (with a representative for the late guitarist Ace Frehley), honored for their theatrical live shows, makeup personas, and massive cultural impact since the 1970s.
- Michael Crawford: British actor-singer famed for originating the role of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, earning multiple Olivier and Tony Awards.
President Trump presents medallions to the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors recipients: George Strait, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone, and Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley (accepted by his daughter).
— One America News (@OANN) December 6, 2025Trump, who named himself chairman of the Kennedy Center board earlier this year and fired its previous leadership, was “about 98% involved” in choosing the class, breaking with the bipartisan selection process used since the honors began in 1978.
Watch OAN Live here:… pic.twitter.com/UCaFZbSNL6
He hosted the medal ceremony himself instead of at the usual State Department dinner and attended the gala taping the next day (December 7) at the Kennedy Center.
The move continues Trump’s aggressive overhaul of the institution he criticized for programming, finances, and appearance; ticket sales have reportedly plummeted since the takeover.
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors gala, featuring tributes and performances, will air later in December on CBS and Paramount+.