Donald Trump speaking at a podium.
Share this @internewscast.com

PRESIDENT Donald Trump unveiled this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees after taking control of the arts institution just months ago.

He also revealed that he would be hosting the event.

Donald Trump speaking at a podium.
He held a press conference to announce this year’s honorees
President Trump speaking at a microphone.
The Kennedy Center received a complete overhaul after Trump’s inauguration in JanuaryCredit: AFP

Prior to the president’s takeover of the center, honoree information would typically be given via press release.

But now, Trump’s running the show, as he led a press conference filled with media on Wednesday.

This year’s honorees are Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss and George Strait.

Two actors were featured in the list: Stallone, 79, best known for his role as Rocky; and Michael Crawford, 83, who starred in a rendition of The Phantom of the Opera.

The rest consisted of musical talents: Kiss, a historically acclaimed rock band; Gaynor, famous for the hit song I Will Survive; and George Strait, recognized as the King of Country music.

Trump made an announcement on Tuesday via Truth Social, stating he would reveal the honorees and humorously referred to the renowned DC arts venue as the “TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER, whoops, I mean, KENNEDY CENTER.”

He said that the event had “fallen on hard times,” but he that its coming back.

“Tremendous work is being done, and money being spent, on bringing it back to the absolute TOP LEVEL of luxury, glamour, and entertainment.”

Staffers of the center were apparently caught off guard by the announcement on his social media site, according to NPR.

The outlet reported that workers were “worried they won’t have enough time to sell tickets and sponsorships.”

Just months ago, Trump ousted the institution’s Board of Trustees and president as he took a interest in the center.

Trump’s DC crackdown makes 23 successful arrests in 1st hours as 850 more cops ‘surge’ across city & National Guard land

The show is typically aired on CBS.

Last year, the Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, Bonnie Raitt, the Apollo Theater and Arturo Sandoval had received the honor.

Queen Latifah had hosted the event in 2024.

Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill budget just allocated $257 million for the center.

Currently, it receives around $40 million.

The president said at the conference that he was “asked to host,” and agreed once planners insisted it would get higher ratings.

He has also been interested in renovating the Kennedy Center.

“We have eliminated the woke political programming and are revitalizing the Kennedy Center as the leading venue for performing arts in the nation and worldwide,” he announced at the conference.

“We’re gonna get the best talent in the world.”

George Strait performing at the iHeartCountry Festival.
George Strait is one of this year’s honoreesCredit: AP
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
MS NOW's Lemire: Some MN Fraud Probes Began Under Biden, But Trump Wants to Change Subject

MS NOW’s Lemire Reports: Minnesota Fraud Investigations Initiated During Biden Era, Yet Trump Seeks to Shift Focus

During Wednesday’s edition of “MS NOW Reports,” Jonathan Lemire, a co-host and…
Explosive fire kills multiple people at Swiss Alps bar during New Year’s celebrations

Tragic New Year’s Eve: Deadly Fire Claims Lives at Swiss Alps Bar

During New Year’s festivities, a devastating fire erupted at a bar in…
Protecting NYC tax dollars using whistleblowers

NYC Boosts Fiscal Integrity: Whistleblowers Key in Safeguarding Taxpayer Dollars

In order to advance its affordability goals, the incoming Mamdani administration should…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

New Year’s Day Fireworks Dispute Escalates into One of Two Jacksonville Shootings, Reports JSO

In Jacksonville, two individuals were wounded in separate shootings early on New…
Girl begged for help months before alleged killing by father, girlfriend — earlier abuse case closed: report

Tragic Oversight: Pleas for Help Ignored Months Before Father’s Alleged Murder of Daughter, Report Reveals

In a heart-wrenching revelation, recently unveiled police documents have brought to light…
United Airlines passenger in 'simulation' slugs flight attendant in face

United Airlines Incident: Passenger Assaults Flight Attendant in Bizarre ‘Simulation’ Scenario

A chaotic scene unfolded aboard a United Airlines flight when a passenger,…
Missing juvenile found during Flagler County stop, sex offender and teen arrested after pursuit

Flagler County Traffic Stop Leads to Arrests of Sex Offender and Teen; Missing Juvenile Safely Located

A gripping encounter with law enforcement unfolded in Flagler County, Florida, as…
Mamdani sworn in as NYC’s 112th mayor in midnight ceremony beneath City Hall

Historic Midnight Ceremony: Mamdani Becomes New York City’s 112th Mayor

In a unique and underground setting just after midnight on Wednesday, Zohran…
Kerri Ann Abatti killed: California farmer Michael Abatti pleads not guilty to killing estranged wife in Arizona

California Farmer Denies Charges in Tragic Arizona Murder of Estranged Wife

In a dramatic courtroom development, Michael Abatti, a well-known farmer from California,…
China’s ‘condom tax’ sparks backlash as Beijing struggles to reverse population collapse

Controversy Erupts Over China’s Condom Tax Amid Efforts to Address Population Decline

Starting January 1, China will implement a 13% value-added tax (VAT) on…
President Donald Trump announces National Guard to be removed from Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland

President Trump Orders Withdrawal of National Guard from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland

President Donald Trump has decided to temporarily halt his initiative to send…
Mamdani sworn in as NYC’s 112th mayor in midnight ceremony beneath City Hall

Mamdani Takes Oath as NYC’s 112th Mayor in Unique Midnight City Hall Ceremony

In an underground event held just after midnight on Wednesday, Zohran Mamdani…