Trump Takes the Stage at Kennedy Center Honors, Honors Showbiz Icons

President Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday. He praised a slate of legendary performers. The event was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.

This marks a significant departure from tradition. Past presidents have attended as guests, not hosts. According to reports from the Associated Press, Trump actively helped select this year’s honorees.

A Night of Celebration and Sharp Commentary

The honorees were Sylvester Stallone, the band Kiss, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford, and George Strait. Trump called them “legendary in so many ways” from the stage. He said billions of people have enjoyed their work over the years.

His remarks mixed effusive praise with his signature blunt style. He joked that many in the audience were “persistent” people. He also said some were “miserable, horrible people” who never give up. The show will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23.

Trump highlighted the honorees’ shared trait of persistence. He referenced Stallone’s famous character, Rocky Balboa. The message was about moving forward despite setbacks.

Political Undertones at a Cultural Ceremony

The event carried political weight. Trump has previously criticized the center as part of “woke” culture. He skipped the honors entirely during his first term in office.

His return as host was framed as a reclaiming of American cultural spaces. He toured renovation projects at the center during the intermission. The night was emotional, especially for Kiss, who memorialized late guitarist Ace Frehley.

For the honorees, the recognition was profound. Stallone described it as being in the “eye of a hurricane.” Gloria Gaynor said it felt like a dream and was the pinnacle of her career.

The 2023 Kennedy Center Honors showcased enduring American entertainment legends under unprecedented presidential stewardship, blending celebration with the evening’s unique political context.

Thought you’d like to know

Who hosted the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors?

President Donald Trump hosted the ceremony. This broke from tradition where presidents are typically guests, not hosts of the event.

Which artists were honored this year?

The honorees were actor Sylvester Stallone, the band Kiss, singer Gloria Gaynor, actor Michael Crawford, and country musician George Strait. They were recognized for their impact on American culture.

Why was Trump’s hosting considered unusual?

Presidents usually watch the show alongside honorees and do not command the stage. Trump also avoided the event during his first term, making his active hosting role this year a notable shift.

When will the event be televised?

The taped ceremony is scheduled to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on December 23. Trump predicted it would achieve record ratings.

Was the event emotional for any honorees?

Yes. The tribute to Kiss included a memorial for original guitarist Ace Frehley, who died in October. A single, smoking red guitar was placed on stage in his honor.s