Washington, D.C., December 7, 2025
President Donald Trump presented the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors medals to five renowned artists in a historic ceremony held in the Oval Office. This year’s honorees include Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, the band Kiss, and Michael Crawford, all recognized for their significant contributions to American arts and culture. Trump praised their influence, calling them ‘icons’ who have inspired millions. The event is notable for its new medal design by Tiffany & Co. and marks Trump’s first time hosting the prestigious program.
Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump awarded the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors medals to five distinguished artists during a ceremony in the Oval Office on December 6, 2025. This year’s honorees are actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford.
Trump, who played a significant role in selecting the recipients, praised the group as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled. He highlighted their contributions to American arts and culture, noting, “This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans.”
In a departure from tradition, the ceremony was held in the Oval Office, with each honoree receiving a new medal designed by Tiffany & Co. The gold disc features the Kennedy Center’s image and rainbow colors on one side, and the honoree’s name and the date of the ceremony on the reverse. This design replaces the original rainbow ribbon used since 1978.
Following the medal presentation, Trump attended the annual State Department dinner for the honorees, where he emphasized their impact beyond celebrity status, stating, “It gives me tremendous pleasure to congratulate … .”
Looking ahead, Trump is set to host the Kennedy Center Honors program on Sunday, marking the first time a sitting president has taken on this role. The event will be taped for broadcast later in December on CBS and Paramount+, with Trump expressing confidence in its success, predicting it will be “the highest-rated show that they’ve ever … .”
Overview of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors Ceremony
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual event that acknowledges exceptional contributions to American culture and arts. The significance of the 2025 ceremony is amplified by the unique setting of the Oval Office, a first for this prestigious event. President Trump’s role in selecting honorees and hosting the ceremony marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of politics and the arts.
Highlighting the Honorees
This year’s recipients, featuring icons from various artistic disciplines, exemplify the diverse landscape of American entertainment. Sylvester Stallone’s prominence in film, Gloria Gaynor’s timeless music anthems, George Strait’s impact on country music, the iconic rock band Kiss, and the versatile talents of Michael Crawford highlight a wide-ranging influence on American culture.
A New Medal Design
The newly designed medals by Tiffany & Co. introduce a fresh aesthetic to the honors. Moving away from the previous ribbon style, the gold disc now embodies modernity while still celebrating the esteemed legacy of the Kennedy Center. This thoughtful design decision is reflective of an evolving appreciation for artistic achievements in today’s society.
The Future of the Kennedy Center Honors Program
As Trump prepares to host the Kennedy Center Honors program, there is a palpable excitement regarding its potential broadcast. The importance of this televised event cannot be understated, as it seeks to blend art and culture with a national audience, potentially reviving the television ratings associated with the Honors program.
Conclusion
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors marks not only a celebration of exemplary talent but also a notable moment in the intersection of the arts and political engagement. As we look forward to the broadcast, this event serves as a reminder of the essential role that arts and culture play in unifying and inspiring communities across the nation. Support for local businesses and cultural events remains crucial as Louisville continues to thrive economically and culturally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees?
The 2025 honorees are actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford.
Where and when did the medal presentation ceremony take place?
The ceremony was held in the Oval Office on December 6, 2025.
Who designed the new Kennedy Center Honors medals?
The new medals were designed by Tiffany & Co.
What is unique about the new medal design?
The new medal is a gold disc featuring the Kennedy Center’s image and rainbow colors on one side, and the honoree’s name and the date of the ceremony on the reverse. This design replaces the original rainbow ribbon used since 1978.
What is the significance of Trump hosting the Kennedy Center Honors program?
Trump’s hosting of the Kennedy Center Honors program is significant because it marks the first time a sitting president has taken on this role.
When will the Kennedy Center Honors program be broadcast?
The event will be taped for broadcast later in December on CBS and Paramount+.
Key Features of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Honorees | Actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford |
| Ceremony Date | December 6, 2025 |
| Location | Oval Office |
| Medal Designer | Tiffany & Co. |
| Medal Design | Gold disc with Kennedy Center’s image and rainbow colors; honoree’s name and ceremony date on reverse |
| Broadcast Date | Later in December on CBS and Paramount+ |
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