Trump Presents Kennedy Center Honors to KISS, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor & More in Oval Office

Watch highlights from the Kennedy Center honors ceremony where Trump awarded medals to legendary artists in a memorable Oval Office event.

A Star-Studded Celebration of American Performing Arts

There’s something special about moments when history, culture, and celebrity collide—and that’s exactly what happened when former President Donald Trump presented this year’s Kennedy Center honorees with their medals. The event took place in the iconic Oval Office on December 6th, turning the White House into a stage for honoring some of America’s most iconic figures in music, film, and theater.

The honorees list was nothing short of legendary: rock titans KISS, country music legend George Strait, disco royalty Gloria Gaynor, Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone, and the Broadway and sitcom star Michael Crawford. This prestigious award celebrates a lifetime of contribution to the performing arts, highlighting those who’ve shaped American culture in unforgettable ways.

Trump’s Oval Office Tribute: A Unique Take on Tradition

The setting couldn’t have been more presidential. Trump took the moment to praise the honorees warmly, calling them “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled. His enthusiastic words painted them as “incredible people” who represent “the very best in American arts and culture.” He admitted he was a fan of all the honorees and made sure to emphasize how their work has “inspired, uplifted, and unified millions and millions of Americans.”

This ceremony marked a shift from Trump’s first term, when he largely ignored the Kennedy Center’s premier awards. Upon his return to office, he shook things up by overhauling the board of trustees and installing GOP supporters, taking the helm as chairman himself. This added a fresh, if somewhat unconventional, energy to the event.

“This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans,” Trump said. “This is perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.”

The Honorees: Icons of Music, Film, and Theater

The ceremony was full of charming moments. George Strait, famously sporting his cowboy hat, was the first to step up for his medal. When he began to remove it, Trump quipped, “If you want to leave it on, you can. I think we can get it through,” though Strait politely took it off.

Trump had warm words for each honoree:

• Michael Crawford was hailed as a “great star of Broadway.”
• Gloria Gaynor was crowned “the disco queen” with “nobody did it like Gloria Gaynor.”
• Sylvester Stallone earned praise as a “wonderful” and “spectacular” individual, dubbed “one of the true, great movie stars” and “one of the great legends.”
• KISS were celebrated as an “incredible rock band” and “the greatest that we’ve seen” in their generation.

Trump summed it up memorably, saying:
“We can hardly imagine the country music phenomena without its king of country, or American disco without its first lady, or Broadway without its phantom – and that was a phantom, let me tell you – or rock and roll without its hottest band in the world, and that’s what they are, or Hollywood without one of its greatest visionaries. Each of you has made an indelible mark on American life and together you have defined entire genres and set new standards for the performing arts.”

Watch the Ceremony Highlights

For those who want to soak in the moment, here’s a video capturing the heart of the Medal Presentation ceremony in the Oval Office, where Trump honors George Strait and Michael Crawford alongside the other luminaries:

Mixed Feelings From the KISS Camp

The rock band KISS has had a bit of a complicated relationship with Trump. Back in 2021, frontman Paul Stanley called Trump “abhorrent” and a “true danger to our democracy.” Yet, in a turn of events, Stanley expressed pride in accepting the honor this year.

Bassist Gene Simmons chimed in with a heartfelt response, saying:
“KISS is the embodiment of the American dream. We are deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honor.”

Drummer Peter Criss shared, “I feel so blessed. This is the greatest honor of our career.” Founding guitarist Ace Frehley described it as “a dream come true that I never thought would materialize.”

Interestingly, Frehley has shown support for Trump in the past, stating in 2020, “I will say I’m a Trump supporter. All the politicians have had skeletons in the closet. But I think Trump is the strongest leader that we’ve got on the table.”

Stanley, on the other hand, hasn’t shied away from criticizing some Republicans for staying silent after the 2020 election results, calling their silence “a coward’s way out” that “feeds the mistrust that eats at the core of this country I love.”

Some Celebrities Declined the Honor

Not everyone was on board. Tom Cruise reportedly turned down an award at this year’s ceremony, citing “scheduling conflicts.” The Mission: Impossible star has yet to comment publicly on this.

Honoring the Past and Looking Forward

Last year’s Kennedy Center honorees included legends like Francis Ford Coppola and the Grateful Dead, reminding us of the ever-evolving landscape of American entertainment.

As the Kennedy Center continues to celebrate a wide spectrum of performers, moments like these highlight the powerful role artists play in shaping cultural identity—and yes, sometimes politics too.

Wrapping Up: What This Ceremony Means

The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony hosted by Trump in the Oval Office was a blend of tradition and a fresh political twist. It brought together a fascinating mix of legends from country, disco, rock, film, and theater—each leaving their indelible mark on American culture.

It’s a reminder of how art transcends politics, uniting fans across genres and generations. Whether you’re a die-hard KISS fan or a Broadway aficionado, moments like this keep the magic of performance alive and kicking.

FAQ

• Who were the main honorees at the Kennedy Center ceremony?
  KISS, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone, and Michael Crawford received the honors.
• Where was the award ceremony held?
  This year’s ceremony took place in the Oval Office of the White House.
• Did all honorees accept their awards?
  Most accepted, but Tom Cruise reportedly declined due to scheduling conflicts.
• Has KISS had mixed views about Trump?
  Yes, Paul Stanley criticized Trump in the past, while Ace Frehley has been supportive.
• What does the Kennedy Center Honor recognize?
  It recognizes lifetime contributions to American culture in the performing arts.

Celebrate your favorite artists by shopping stunning album cover posters at our store. Grab a unique piece of music history to showcase your fandom with style and nostalgia! Shop now.