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.
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.
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.”
