On December 7, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., celebrating a diverse group of performers and entertainers. This year's honorees included Academy Award-nominated actor Sylvester Stallone, disco singer Gloria Gaynor, country music artist George Strait, British actor Michael Crawford, and the rock band KISS. Trump characterized the honorees as icons whose contributions have inspired and unified many Americans, claiming this group to be one of the most accomplished classes of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.

The event marked a significant shift in the Kennedy Center Honors tradition, as it was the first time a sitting president actively hosted the ceremony rather than observing from the audience. Trump, who has appointed himself as the chairman of the Kennedy Center, stated he was "98% involved" in selecting this year's honorees, diverging from the traditional process that typically includes input from a bipartisan committee.

Each honoree received a custom gold medallion designed by Tiffany & Co., featuring their name and the Kennedy Center's logo. The ceremony coincided with ongoing renovations at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center, which Trump noted were intended to restore the venue to a high standard. He emphasized that no taxpayer money was used for these changes, although former employees have raised concerns about the political pressures and potential impacts on the center's financial health.

Trump's involvement with the Kennedy Center has been controversial, with critics suggesting that his leadership has altered the institution's programming and values. The guest list for the event predominantly featured individuals aligned with Trump's political views, raising questions about the center's commitment to bipartisanship. During the ceremony, Trump employed campaign-style rhetoric, highlighting his administration's achievements and dismissing political adversaries.

The event is scheduled to be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23, 2025. Stallone expressed gratitude for the honor, while Gaynor referred to the recognition as a pinnacle achievement in her career. The ceremony was particularly poignant for KISS, as the band's original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley, had recently passed away, prompting Gene Simmons to leave an empty chair in his memory.