Summary
President Donald Trump awarded medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees at the White House, a change from the usual tradition. Honorees include actor Sylvester Stallone and singer Gloria Gaynor. Trump had a significant role in selecting the honorees and changed how the Kennedy Center is managed.
Key Facts
- President Donald Trump gave medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees at a ceremony in the Oval Office.
- The honorees are Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, the rock band KISS, and Michael Crawford.
- Trump made changes to the Kennedy Center's management by firing the president and chairman, replacing them with his supporters.
- Traditionally, honorees were selected by a bipartisan committee, but Trump was "about 98% involved" in choosing this year's group.
- The medal ceremony was moved from the State Department to the White House.
- The new medals, designed by Tiffany & Co., have a different appearance, featuring a gold disc and navy blue ribbon.
- The Kennedy Center Honors program will include speeches and performances and will be broadcast later on CBS and Paramount+.
- Trump attending the honors program marks the first time a sitting president participates after such changes in leadership.
