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President Trump announces the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees, featuring KISS, Sylvester Stallone, and more, sparking praise and criticism.

A Big Announcement in Washington

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has been the nation’s cultural crown jewel since 1971.
Every year, it celebrates artists who have left a lasting mark on music, theater, and film.
This year, however, the announcement felt different.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump, now the chair of the Kennedy Center, revealed the honorees for 2025.
It’s a mix of global music icons, a stage legend, and Hollywood royalty.
The honorees are:

• Gloria Gaynor – the voice behind I Will Survive, a timeless anthem of resilience.
• George Strait – “The King of Country” with over 60 No. 1 hits.
• Michael Crawford – the original Phantom of the Opera, still beloved by theater fans worldwide.
• Sylvester Stallone – the man who gave us Rocky and Rambo, and an enduring symbol of grit.
• KISS – the rock band whose painted faces, pyrotechnics, and wild energy defined an era.

You can read more about the political backdrop in this analysis of the Trump–Putin meeting in Alaska.

Trump’s History with the Arts

Donald Trump has had a complicated relationship with the art world.
During his presidency, he famously skipped attending the Kennedy Center Honors multiple times due to political tensions.
At that time, many honorees signaled they wouldn’t attend if he was present.

Now, as chair, Trump is not just attending — he’s shaping the event.
His hand-picked list signals both a nod to popular culture and his own tastes.
www.america112.com reports that Trump personally approved each name after weeks of discussion.

Why This Year’s List Stands Out

The Kennedy Center Honors usually rely on a committee of cultural experts.
This time, Trump’s direct influence raises questions.
Supporters say he’s breaking from elitist traditions and recognizing stars with broad public appeal.
Critics claim it’s a political move designed to energize his base.

Some see parallels with his approach to international policy — direct, personal, and sometimes divisive — like the end of the U.S.–China trade truce.

The Reactions – Mixed and Loud

The announcement sparked excitement and outrage in equal measure.
Fans of Gloria Gaynor celebrated the recognition of her disco legacy.
Country music lovers said George Strait’s honor was long overdue.
KISS fans flooded social media with photos in face paint, ready to cheer their idols.

Yet, others in the arts community expressed concern.
A few honorees from past years criticized what they see as “political theater.”
Several members of the Kennedy Center’s advisory board reportedly resigned.

Past Kennedy Center Controversies

The Kennedy Center has weathered storms before.
In 2017 and 2018, tensions between the White House and artists led to boycotts.
Some honorees refused to appear alongside political figures they disagreed with.
This year’s list reopens that old wound — but with Trump now at the helm, the power dynamic has shifted.

The Ceremony Ahead

The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors are set for December.
The evening will feature musical performances, heartfelt speeches, and video tributes.
Millions will watch — some for the art, some for the political drama.

One thing is certain: the combination of KISS, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone on the same stage is unlike anything the Kennedy Center has seen before.

A Cultural Celebration with a Political Twist

Art and politics have always been intertwined.
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors make that connection impossible to ignore.
For some, it’s a bold new chapter in the center’s history.
For others, it’s a sign that no cultural space is free from political influence.

Either way, the 2025 honorees will take their place in history — not just for their artistic achievements, but for the political storm that came with them.