The annual Kennedy Center Honors gala, taking place on December 3, 2023, in Washington D.C., will feature notable figures such as Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, and Gloria Gaynor. This year’s event marks a significant departure from tradition, as Donald Trump assumes the role of host, a first for a sitting president who typically watches from the audience.
Trump, who returned to office in January, has positioned the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts at the center of his critique of what he describes as “woke” anti-American culture. He announced his hosting duties in August and reiterated his commitment to the gala at a State Department dinner for honorees, stating he was doing so “at the request of a certain television network.”
The ceremony, which will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23, 2023, is anticipated to draw the highest ratings in its history. Trump expressed confidence in this prediction, saying, “It’s going to be something that I believe, and I’m going to make a prediction: This will be the highest-rated show that they’ve ever done.”
Celebrating Cultural Icons
This year’s honorees represent a diverse array of talents and contributions to American culture. Sylvester Stallone is recognized for his iconic roles in the “Rocky” and “Rambo” franchises, while Gaynor is celebrated for her timeless anthem “I Will Survive.” The band Kiss, known for its theatrical performances and distinctive makeup, is also among this year’s recipients, joining fellow stars like country music legend George Strait and Tony Award-winning actor Michael Crawford.
The event is particularly poignant for Kiss, as the band’s original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, passed away in October after a fall. The Kennedy Center Honors have been recognizing influential figures in the arts since 1978, covering various disciplines, including dance, theater, film, and music.
Trump’s involvement has shifted the dynamics of the event, as he previously skipped the honors during his first term. Historically, presidents from both parties have attended the gala, even when honorees held opposing political beliefs. For instance, Ronald Reagan celebrated playwright Arthur Miller, known for his liberal stances, while Bill Clinton honored Charlton Heston, an advocate for gun rights.
Political Tensions and Artistic Expression
Trump’s presidency has altered the relationship between the Kennedy Center and the arts community. He replaced the center’s leadership and appointed a board of trustees aligned with Republican views, raising concerns about the center’s future direction. Critics have accused Trump of undermining the bipartisan spirit that has characterized the honors for decades.
During his first term, several honorees publicly criticized Trump. Notably, in 2017, recipient Norman Lear threatened to boycott the ceremony if Trump attended. The former president ultimately chose to stay away during that term.
Looking ahead, Trump claims to have taken an active role in selecting the 2025 honorees, indicating that he rejected some recommendations due to their “too woke” nature. While Stallone has publicly supported Trump, the political leanings of the other honorees remain less clear.
Both Gaynor and Strait have maintained a low profile regarding their political affiliations. However, records from the Federal Election Commission indicate that Gaynor has contributed to Republican organizations in recent years. Gene Simmons, co-founder of Kiss, previously endorsed Trump during the 2016 campaign but later criticized him for promoting conspiracy theories. Another band member, Paul Stanley, has openly condemned Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and labeled the January 6 Capitol storming as an act of terrorism.
Despite the political tensions, Stanley has called for unity following Trump’s 2024 victory, emphasizing the need for understanding among differing viewpoints. “If your candidate lost, it’s time to learn from it, accept it and try to understand why,” he wrote on the social media platform X.
The Kennedy Center Honors gala promises to be a landmark event, blending celebration with the complexities of contemporary political discourse, showcasing the enduring impact of artistic achievement in American culture.
