US President Donald Trump on Saturday awarded the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees their medals during an Oval Office ceremony, praising the recipients as "perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class" in the program's history. 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 said he was "about 98% involved" in selecting the slate, described them as "incredible people" who represent "the very best in American arts and culture." "This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans," Trump said. Trump reshapes the Kennedy Center Trump, who largely ignored the Kennedy Center during his first term, has overhauled its leadership since returning to office in January — removing the board of trustees and installing Republican allies, then assuming the role of chairman. He has also criticized the center's programming and aesthetic, promising a broader revamp. Each honoree received a newly designed gold medallion, created and donated by Tiffany & Co., replacing the long-used rainbow-striped ribbon. The medal features the Kennedy Center image on one side and the honoree's name and ceremony date on the other. Strait was the first to receive his medal, briefly removing his cowboy hat despite Trump's assurance he could leave it on. Trump lauded Crawford as a "great star of Broadway," Gaynor as "the disco queen," Kiss as an "incredible rock band," and Stallone as a "wonderful" friend and "one of the true, great movie stars." Music by Gaynor and Kiss played in the Rose Garden as reporters waited outside for the ceremony to begin. Honors celebration set for Sunday Trump will attend the Kennedy Center Honors program on Sunday for the first time as president. Traditionally, presidents attend the show but do not host it. Trump said Saturday he expects the broadcast later this month on CBS and Paramount+ to draw its largest audience ever. "This will be the highest-rated show that they've ever done," Trump predicted. The president also attended the State Department's annual dinner for honorees, though he moved the medallion presentation from that event to the White House. During remarks, Trump said the honorees are "more than celebrities," adding: "Thank you for your incredible career... and just genius that you have." In a swipe at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, a frequent critic, Trump said, "If I can't beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don't think I should be president." — Agencies
