Trump honors Kennedy Center recipients with medals in Oval Office ceremony
President Donald Trump commended the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during a ceremony in the Oval Office, expressing admiration for the distinguished group of artists he had a hand in selecting. The honorees for this year include the accomplished actor Sylvester Stallone, renowned singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, iconic rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. Trump applauded these individuals as exceptional representatives of American arts and culture, emphasizing that their work has inspired and united countless Americans.
In a departure from his previous term as president, Trump has implemented several changes since re-assuming office, notably revamping the board of trustees at the Kennedy Center and appointing GOP supporters, including himself, to key positions. Criticizing the center’s programming and infrastructure, Trump has pledged to modernize and upgrade both aspects. At the medal presentation ceremony, Trump presented each honoree with a meticulously crafted medal designed by Tiffany & Co., symbolizing their recognition. The medal features a gold disc with the Kennedy Center’s image and rainbow colors on one side and the honoree’s name and the ceremony date on the other. This new medal replaces the former rainbow ribbon that had been part of the honors program since its inception in 1978.
During the ceremony, Trump individually honored each recipient, with George Strait being the first to receive his medal. Trump shared a light-hearted moment with the country singer, suggesting he could keep his cowboy hat on if he preferred. He then celebrated Michael Crawford’s Broadway achievements, commended Gloria Gaynor as the “disco queen,” and praised Sylvester Stallone as a cinematic legend. Additionally, Trump recognized Kiss as an exceptional rock band, lauding their contributions to the music industry. The ceremony was enriched by musical selections from honorees Gloria Gaynor and Kiss, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
Donald Trump asserted his deep involvement in selecting the 2025 honorees, marking this year as the first under his leadership. Trump emphasized the significance of these artists, actors, and performers, crediting them with shaping and refining their respective genres and setting new standards in the performing arts. The president also highlighted the impact of these honorees on American culture, acknowledging their lasting influence.
Subsequently, Trump attended an exclusive State Department dinner honoring the recipients, a departure from the traditional venue for the medallion presentation. In his address at the dinner, Trump expressed admiration for the honorees’ exceptional careers, thanking them for their enduring contributions to the arts. Looking ahead, Trump is set to host the Kennedy Center Honors program, showcasing tributes and performances dedicated to each honoree for broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. The president’s active involvement in honoring these distinguished individuals underscores his commitment to celebrating and recognizing excellence in the arts.