In an unprecedented move, former and current US President Donald Trump personally presided over the ceremony for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honours in the Oval Office on Saturday. The event, a first for any sitting president, saw Trump awarding medals to a star-studded group of entertainers while taking a sharp jab at comedian and television host Jimmy Kimmel.
A Presidential First and a Comedic Feud
Donald Trump made history by becoming the first US president to host the Kennedy Center Honours medal ceremony. During the proceedings, he did not hold back his opinions on the event's typical hosting. He specifically called out late-night host Jimmy Kimmel's past performances, labelling them as "horrible." In a remark that blended humour with self-assessment, Trump stated that if he could not surpass Kimmel in talent, then his own presidency would lack justification. "I've watched some of the people that host. Jimmy Kimmel was horrible. If I can't beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don't think I should be president," Trump was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
He further acknowledged the novelty of a president leading the ceremony, anticipating mixed reviews from critics. "We have never had a president hosting the awards before. This is the first. I’m sure they’ll give me great reviews, right? You know, they’ll say he was horrible. He was terrible," he quipped, according to a Deadline report.
An "Accomplished" Group of Honourees
The 2025 class of Kennedy Center Honourees, which Trump praised as "perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class" ever assembled, includes iconic figures from film and music. The recipients are:
- Sylvester Stallone, the legendary actor and filmmaker.
- Gloria Gaynor, the disco and gospel singing sensation.
- George Strait, the celebrated country music artist.
- Kiss, the iconic rock band known for its theatrical performances.
- Michael Crawford, the acclaimed actor and singer.
Each honouree received a newly designed medal, which was created and donated by the luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co.
A Shift in Approach and Institutional Changes
This event marks a significant shift in Trump's engagement with the prestigious cultural institution. During his first term in office, Trump largely ignored the Kennedy Center and its annual honours. However, since returning to the presidency in January 2025, his administration has implemented sweeping changes at the centre.
Most notably, the entire board of trustees was removed and replaced with Republican supporters, who subsequently elected Trump himself as the chairman. The president has also been openly critical of the centre's programming and physical appearance, pledging a comprehensive revamp of both aspects. Saturday's ceremony underscores his newfound hands-on involvement with the institution, blending political authority with cultural recognition in a historic setting.
