Trump selects Strait, Stallone, and Kiss for Kennedy Center Honors and will host event

President Donald Trump, in his role as the new chairman of the Kennedy Center, made a significant impact on this year’s announcement of the Kennedy Center Honors recipients. Among those honored were country music sensation George Strait, iconic actor Sylvester Stallone, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, rock legends Kiss, and talented actor-singer Michael Crawford. Instead of the usual method of the Kennedy Center revealing the honorees through a press release, Trump took it upon himself to personally unveil the names during a press conference held at the site.

During the press conference, Trump made it known that he would be hosting the awards show later in the year, a departure from his previous term where he did not even attend the ceremony. The president revealed that he had been intricately involved in the selection process, indicating a new level of personal involvement. He even hinted at the possibility of nominating himself for a future award, adding a touch of humor to the proceedings.

This unconventional approach to the Kennedy Center Honors marked a fresh era for the esteemed institution. Trump’s significant influence was evident as he took on the role of chair and reshuffled the board of trustees with his own loyalists. He even hinted at potentially renaming the venue as the Trump/Kennedy Center, showcasing his desire to leave a lasting imprint on cultural institutions.

The Kennedy Center Honors was established in 1978 and has a rich history of honoring a diverse range of artists. Despite political differences, presidents from both major parties traditionally attended the ceremony to honor deserving recipients. Notable artists from various backgrounds, including liberals like Barbra Streisand and Warren Beatty and conservatives like Charlton Heston, have been recognized over the years, a testament to the bipartisan nature of the awards.

Several of this year’s honorees have shown support for Trump, with Stallone and Kiss members expressing admiration for the president. Stallone, in particular, has been vocal about his support for Trump, drawing praise from the president himself. On the other hand, Paul Stanley of Kiss has been critical of Trump, especially during the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

Each of the honorees for this year boasts illustrious careers in their respective fields. Stallone’s iconic portrayals in “Rocky” and “Rambo,” Strait’s chart-topping hits, Kiss’s iconic rock persona, Crawford’s Tony-winning performances, and Gaynor’s disco anthem “I Will Survive” all contribute to a diverse and talented lineup of recipients.

Breaking with tradition, none of the honorees this year hailed from the fields of dance or classical music. The upcoming Kennedy Center Honors ceremony is scheduled for December 7 and will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

In a departure from the typical selection process, Trump indicated that he played a substantial role in choosing this year’s honorees. Describing the chosen artists as “great people,” he mentioned collaborating with handpicked Kennedy Center officials. Trump also suggested that he rejected certain names due to their perceived ‘woke’ or liberal stances, indicating his personal involvement in the decision-making process.

Despite Trump’s assertive approach to remaking the Kennedy Center, his actions have attracted some criticism from artists and members of the entertainment industry. The divestment of leadership control by established figures has led to questions about the future direction of the institution. The decision to rename the Kennedy Center’s Opera House after the first lady, Melania Trump, has also drawn attention, raising concerns about the extent of political influence on cultural institutions.

In conclusion, Trump’s involvement in the Kennedy Center Honors has injected a new sense of personalization and controversy into the prestigious awards. The upcoming ceremony promises a mix of talent and recognition, reflecting a diverse array of artists and entertainers. While Trump’s leadership has sparked debate and criticism, it undoubtedly marks a new chapter in the history of the Kennedy Center and its esteemed honors.