In an unusual move, former President Donald Trump welcomed the 2025 Kennedy Center honourees to the Oval Office for a private medal ceremony on Saturday, 6 December. The event, held in Washington DC, saw Trump present redesigned medallions to actor Sylvester Stallone, country music legend George Strait, actor-singer Michael Crawford, and the members of the rock band Kiss.
A Presidential First for the Arts Event
The gathering marked a significant departure from tradition. While presidents typically attend the Kennedy Center Honors gala, none have ever presented the medals in the Oval Office beforehand, nor have they taken on the role of hosting the televised tribute. Trump explicitly noted this break with precedent, quipping about the expected reviews of his performance.
"This is a great evening, it's a great honour," Trump stated during the presentation. He praised the honourees for inspiring and unifying millions of Americans, calling them "the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center honourees ever assembled."
Redesigned Medals and a Revamped Institution
The president revealed that the prestigious medallions had been re-designed by luxury jewellers Tiffany & Co. He shared a personal connection, noting the brand's proximity to Trump Tower in New York.
The ceremony underscores Trump's renewed and active interest in the Kennedy Center during his second term. Having never visited the arts centre in his first term, he has since overhauled its leadership, appointing loyalists like current Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell, who stood behind him during the ceremony. Trump has pledged a full renovation of the venue's infrastructure, aiming to transform it into a national "crown jewel" for arts and culture.
Setting the Stage for a Televised Spectacle
The main Kennedy Center Honors tribute performances for each recipient are scheduled to be taped on Sunday, 7 December, for broadcast later in the month. Trump confidently predicted the event would achieve record-breaking television ratings, surpassing previous broadcasts.
"I believe – and I'm going to make a prediction: this will be the highest-rated show that they've ever done," Trump declared. He also took a swipe at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, suggesting that outperforming him in terms of hosting talent was a low bar for a president.
The selection process for this year's honourees has raised some questions, though Trump claimed in August that he was "about 98% involved" in curating the list. The event solidifies the former president's direct influence on a major American cultural institution during his current administration.
