From THE HILL: It had the look of a traditional Kennedy Center Honors ceremony — but following President Trump’s unprecedented overhaul of the D.C. arts institution earlier this year and with the commander in chief making history as the show’s host, change was in the air at this year’s awards gathering.
“Welcome to a very special evening — it’s one of the most important evenings in the American cultural realm,” Trump said as he took to the stage to a standing ovation at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday in Washington.
“I’m going to try to act like Johnny Carson,” Trump cracked, as he lauded this year’s Honors recipients, including members of the band KISS, country music singer George Strait, “disco queen” Gloria Gaynor, actor and director Sylvester Stallone and Broadway star Michael Crawford.
“This is the first time that a president of the United States has ever hosted this phenomenal event,” Trump said.
“This is our nation’s highest recognition for lifetime achievement in the performing arts,” he told the audience.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to present the official portrait of the 48th class of Kennedy Center Honorees pic.twitter.com/DD2Q55nAWU
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) December 7, 2025
BREAKING 🚨 A truly remarkable moment. Donald Trump gives the KING of Country, George Strait the Kennedy Center Honors Medal in the Oval Office
MAGA KING 🤝 COUNTRY KING ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FbnqQu5A46
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) December 6, 2025
WOW! What an honor. pic.twitter.com/uVcqAgSaMa
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) December 7, 2025
“One of the true great movie stars…there used to be a lot, there aren’t many now.”
President Trump presents a Kennedy Center Honors Medal to Sylvester Stallone. pic.twitter.com/nTKiS07VjJ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 6, 2025
🎭Sneak Peak🎭
The incomparable Michael Crawford gives his first interview following his tribute at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors
Tonight’s ceremony will air nationwide on CBS and Paramount+ on Tuesday, December 23, at 8 PM ET/PT. pic.twitter.com/LlKkcCzXDU
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) December 8, 2025
📸🪩
The Queen of Disco herself, Gloria Gaynor, winner of the first-ever Grammy for Best Disco Recording arrives on the Kennedy Center red carpet as we celebrate her induction into the 48th Honors class. pic.twitter.com/pStiuoldOs
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) December 7, 2025
🇺🇸🔥 President Donald J. Trump and the First Lady arrive for the 48th Kennedy Center Honors, where he will take the stage as host. pic.twitter.com/Gz4f4J4GgQ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 7, 2025
From the very beginning, KISS has been about proving that anything is possible with hard work and passion. We’re deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honors, and proudly share this recognition with our fans and all those who have been a part of creating this legacy. This… pic.twitter.com/LEHg3pCccI
— KISS (@kiss) December 8, 2025
Read more at THE HILL
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