President Donald Trump has officially revealed his five honorees for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, marking the first time the awards have been announced under his leadership as chairman of the institution. In a video posted to Truth Social, Trump introduced the lineup and spoke passionately about each recipient’s career and cultural contributions.
The honorees include rock icons Kiss, Hollywood action star Sylvester Stallone, country music legend George Strait, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, and celebrated stage actor Michael Crawford. The selection reflects Trump’s push to spotlight mainstream entertainment figures while steering the Kennedy Center away from the progressive programming he has criticized in recent years.
Trump lavished particular praise on Stallone, describing him as a talent who commands respect without chasing the spotlight. The president shared a personal story about watching “First Blood” for the first time and being struck by Stallone’s performance. Earlier this year, Trump named Stallone a “Special Ambassador” to Hollywood alongside Mel Gibson and Jon Voight, underscoring his admiration for the actor’s body of work and personal character.
The inclusion of Kiss sparked some buzz due to frontman Gene Simmons’ history of both praising and criticizing Trump. Still, the band’s guitarist Ace Frehley has been openly pro-Trump, and Paul Stanley has made headlines for his outspoken opposition to parents pursuing transgender medical procedures for their children. Trump’s willingness to include the band signals his focus on artistic impact over personal politics.
George Strait, often referred to as the “King of Country,” brings decades of chart-topping hits and a loyal fan base to this year’s honors. Gloria Gaynor, whose timeless hit “I Will Survive” remains a cultural anthem, represents the golden era of disco and a legacy of resilience in music. Michael Crawford, beloved for originating the role of the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” adds Broadway prestige to the list.
Notably absent from the group is Tom Cruise, who reportedly declined the honor due to “scheduling conflicts,” according to The Washington Post. The snub didn’t dampen the announcement’s energy, but it did draw curiosity, as Cruise’s decades-long film career and global recognition have often made him a strong contender for such accolades.
This year’s ceremony, set for December, will be the first under Trump’s chairmanship, and expectations are high for a more traditional and celebratory approach to the Kennedy Center’s most visible event. Trump has made no secret of his desire to return the institution to what he calls its “original purpose”—honoring talent without political messaging overshadowing the arts.
The Kennedy Center Honors remain one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural events, celebrating artists whose work has shaped American music, film, theater, and performance. Under Trump’s guidance, this year’s selection reflects a blend of pop culture appeal, long-standing achievement, and cross-generational influence.
With Kiss bringing rock spectacle, Stallone embodying cinematic grit, Strait representing country authenticity, Gaynor showcasing disco’s enduring spirit, and Crawford exemplifying theatrical excellence, the 2025 class promises a night of diverse tributes. As the December ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on how Trump’s leadership shapes both the presentation and the tone of an institution known for honoring America’s artistic giants.
