Trump-Led Kennedy Center Announces 2025 Honorees

Each year, the Kennedy Center Honors individuals “whose work has shaped our cultural landscape” while highlighting how their careers have advanced “the power of the arts.”

Clues and Announcement of the 2025 Class

On the night before the official reveal, the Kennedy Center posted a teaser on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“A country music icon, an Englishman, a New York City rock band, a dance queen, and a multi-billion-dollar actor walk into the Kennedy Center Opera House.”

The announcement came on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, delivered personally by President Donald Trump, who now serves as chair of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.

48th Kennedy Center Honorees

The newly announced honorees include:

• George Strait – Country music legend

• Michael Crawford – Stage actor

• Sylvester Stallone – Film icon

• Gloria Gaynor – Disco queen

• KISS – Rock band

Trump’s Remarks on George Strait

Trump praised George Strait’s remarkable career, noting that he has sold over 120 million records worldwide, achieved 60 No. 1 hits, and produced 33 platinum-certified albums — more than any other living American artist. Calling him “the King of Country”, Trump emphasized Strait’s global fan base and lasting influence.

Trump Serving as Kennedy Center Chair

Trump became chair of the Kennedy Center Board on February 12, 2025, after removing Biden-appointed members and appointing new figures, including Pam Bondi, Usha Vance, Lee Greenwood, and Fox News host Laura Ingraham. First Lady Melania Trump serves as honorary chair, following tradition.

During a March 17 meeting, Trump outlined his vision to restore both Washington, D.C., and the Kennedy Center. He promised changes not only in programming but also in the facility’s seating, décor, and overall look. However, critics have raised concerns about artistic freedom under his leadership.

Looking Ahead to the 48th Honors Ceremony

The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors will be televised on December 22 on CBS. Trump hinted that future honorees might be “slightly more conservative”, signaling potential shifts in the institution’s direction.