Trump Hosts Kennedy Center Honors with Stallone, Kiss, and More

URGENT UPDATE: The annual Kennedy Center Honors is set to take place today, December 23, 2023, featuring a star-studded lineup including Sylvester Stallone, the iconic rock band Kiss, and legendary singer Gloria Gaynor. In a historic twist, former President Donald Trump is hosting the event, marking the first time a president has taken the stage instead of sitting in the audience.

This year’s ceremony is more than just a celebration of arts; it symbolizes Trump’s ongoing influence at the Kennedy Center, a venue he has criticized for its programming and which he has transformed since returning to office in January 2023. Trump, who has claimed he is hosting at the request of a “certain television network,” anticipates the broadcast will achieve record ratings. “This will be the highest-rated show they’ve ever done,” he declared at a State Department dinner for honorees on Saturday.

The Kennedy Center Honors recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through the arts. Stallone is celebrated for his roles in the “Rocky” and “Rambo” franchises, while Gaynor is honored for her powerful anthem “I Will Survive.” Kiss, known for their elaborate stage performances, will also be recognized, although the ceremony is expected to carry a poignant note following the death of the band’s original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, in October.

This year’s honorees are part of a broader discussion about the intersection of politics and culture. Trump has reshaped the board of trustees at the Kennedy Center and has been vocal about his disdain for what he describes as “woke” culture. His controversial leadership style has sparked conversations about the role of the arts in political discourse.

Previous presidents have attended the honors as spectators, but Trump skipped the event in his first term amid tensions with some honorees, including filmmaker Norman Lear, who threatened to boycott the ceremony if Trump was present.

With the ceremony airing tonight on CBS and Paramount+, viewers are poised for an emotional evening filled with performances, speeches, and tributes celebrating the honorees’ contributions to American culture.

In a statement, Trump emphasized his involvement in selecting this year’s honorees, acknowledging he turned down some recommendations for being “too woke.” While Stallone has expressed support for Trump, the political views of other honorees remain varied, adding a layer of complexity to the event’s atmosphere.

As the ceremony unfolds, expect a mix of nostalgia, recognition, and perhaps controversy, reflecting the ever-evolving narrative of American culture and its intersection with politics. Stay tuned for live updates on this historic event.