Everything to know about 2025 Kennedy Center Awards

The 2025 Kennedy Center Awards will look very different from the previous ceremonies.

In February 2025, President Donald Trump cleaned 18 members of the Kennedy Center Board and then replaced them with allies, per Npr. He was elected chairman of the new board February 12th.

On August 13, Trump announced Honorees for this year’s ceremony, which includes Sylvester StalloneMichael Crawford, Gloria GaynorThe KISS and George Strait.

“They all went through me,” he said of the recipient choice. “I rejected many who were too awake.”

Kennedy Center Honors, held at John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, is an annual celebration in Washington, DC, which recognizes artists for their lifetime contribution to American culture through performing arts – including music, dance, theater, opera, film and television. This year’s ceremony will host Trump himself, he said on August 13.

Here’s everything to know about the 2025 Kennedy Center Awards and Trump’s commitment.

What is Trump’s commitment to the Kennedy Center?

Trump’s increased commitment to the Kennedy Center began in February 2025, when he announced his intentions to become chairman of the non -profit board. He then cleaned the board of 18 democratic members and replaced them. Some of the new members included vice president JD Vances wife Usha Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Per NPR.

In response, the Kennedy Center said there was “nothing in the center’s charter that would prevent a new administration from replacing board members,” but “This would be the first time Such measures have been taken with the Kennedy Center Board. ”

On February 12, 2025, the new board elected him chairman. Days before the vote took place, Trump said he wanted the position because he wants to “To make sure it goes properly. ”

“We don’t have to wake up at the Kennedy Center, and we don’t have to – some of the show were terrible. They were a shame they even put on.”

When a reporter asked if Trump had ever attended a show at the Kennedy Center, he said, “No.”

In June 2025, Trump and his wife, Melania trumpparticipated in their first show at the Kennedy Center (opening evening performance The miserable one), where they were Booed by the crowd.

Republicans have since introduced a bill to change the name of the Kennedy Center Donald J. Trump Center for Performing Arts. They have also suggested that the Kennedy Center Opera House would change the name of First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.

But president John F. Kennedyonly grandchildren, Jack Schlossberghas claimed that this walking toward federal law.

Who has resigned or been fired from the Kennedy Center?

The same day that Trump was appointed chairman of the Kennedy Center, several people resigned from their positions at non -profit.

Legs Departed from his position as artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra, Renée Fleming left his role as artistic adviser at large Short rhes departed from his role as treasurer.

“Given the development of the Kennedy Center, I today resign as artistic adviser for NSO. Not for me,” wrote FOLDS in a statement about Instagram.

In addition, Trump fired the former Kennedy Center President Deborah Routes. Former Chairman David M. Rubenstein was replaced by Trump.

In a statement to NPR, Routes, partly, “as well as our democracy itself must be cared for, promoted, prioritized and protected. It is not a passive endeavor; there is really no clearer signs of American democracy at work than our artists, the work they produce and the audience’s countless right to actively participate.” “

Who will be recognized at the 2025 Kennedy Center awards?

Stallone, Crawford, Gaynor, the band Kiss and Strait will be recognized at the Kennedy Center -award 2025.

During his announcement of Honorees, Trump said he was “about 98 percent involved” in choosing the recipients. He also suggested that his name was coming and could be again next year.

“Since 1978, the Kennedy Center Awards have been among the most prestigious prices in performing arts. I wanted one. I could never get one,” he said under one press conference In August 2025.

“I waited and waited and waited, and I said,” Hell with it. I become chairman, “” continued Trump. “I’ll give myself an honor. Maybe … next year we honor Trump.”

Trump’s selection of kisses came as a surprise to many. Band member Paul Stanley Once called the president ‘obnoxious“After the 2020 election and Gene Simmons resembled Trump’s camp with “cockroaches” in an interview in May 2022 with SPIN.

Both singers seemingly put their feelings about Trump aside and tell TMZ In August 2025 that the band is “deeply honored” to be recognized.

Who rejected an invitation to get a Kennedy Center -Around?

Trump reportedly invited Tom Cruise to get a Kennedy Center -Ar, but The actor declined because of “scheduling conflicts.” This is according to several current and former employees of the Kennedy Center who spoke to Washington Post In August 2025.

A spokesman for Cruise refused to comment on Post. People also reached a rope for Mission Impossible Star, but has not heard.

Who will host the Kennedy Center Award 2025?

Trump has said he will host the Kennedy Center Award in 2025.

“I didn’t want to,” he said to reporters in August 2025. “They will say:” He insisted. ” I did not insist. But I think it will be quite successful. “

When is the 2025 Kennedy Center awards?

The 48th annual Kennedy Center award will take place on December 7, 2025.

Where can I look at the 2025 Kennedy Center Awards?

2025 Kennedy Center awards will be broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

Paramount+ Premium subscribers can flow live the event, while those with the essential plan can look at it on request the next day.