5 Jaw-Dropping Ways Donald Trump Transformed The Kennedy Center Honors In 2025

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a cornerstone of American culture, underwent a dramatic and controversial transformation in 2025, culminating in an unprecedented hosting of the annual Kennedy Center Honors. As of today, December 15, 2025, the fallout from President Donald J. Trump’s self-described “takeover” of the institution—which he now routinely calls the “Trump Kennedy Center”—continues to send shockwaves through the performing arts community in Washington, D.C., and across the nation. This shift marked a definitive end to the years of controversy surrounding his *non-attendance* at the event, replacing it with a new, equally polarizing era defined by his *direct authority* over the prestigious arts institution. The controversial move began with a Truth Social post in February 2025, where Mr. Trump announced his plans to take charge of the center, promising to elevate the “American Jewel”. This was not merely a ceremonial announcement; it initiated a series of swift and structural changes that fundamentally altered the governance, leadership, and very nature of the Kennedy Center Honors, ensuring the 2025 ceremony would be unlike any before it. From personally selecting honorees to installing a new board and chairing the institution himself, the former President left an indelible, and highly debated, mark on one of the country’s most revered cultural landmarks.

The Unprecedented Takeover: How Donald Trump Became Kennedy Center Board Chair

The most significant and defining change that occurred in 2025 was Donald Trump’s formal election as the Kennedy Center Board Chair. This move was the capstone of a deliberate strategy to exert direct control over the institution, a process that critics immediately labeled a “controversial takeover”. The traditional role of the sitting President in relation to the Honors—typically a ceremonial attendance—was completely upended, replaced by a hands-on, executive authority.

1. Structural Power Shift and Board Installation

The foundation of the takeover was laid early in the year following his February Truth Social announcement. The structural changes were swift and dramatic: * New Board and Chairmanship: At a Kennedy Center Board meeting, President Trump was elected as the new Board Chair, replacing the previous incumbent. * Executive Leadership Change: He reportedly fired the center's previous president and installed a new leadership board. * Renovation Order: Mr. Trump also ordered a renovation of the facility, further cementing his direct involvement in the institution's physical and operational future. * The 'Trump Kennedy Center': He began consistently referring to the building by his own name, signaling his intent to permanently brand the institution. This dramatic shift from a political figure maintaining a respectful distance from the arts to one who had placed himself directly at the center of a major cultural institution sparked widespread debate about the politicization of the performing arts in America.

The 2025 Honors: A Night of Controversy and Direct Involvement

The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which took place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, served as the primary showcase for the new regime. Unlike his previous tenure where he cited a desire to avoid "political distraction" and did not attend the ceremony, Mr. Trump not only attended but hosted the event, a significant break from recent tradition. The evening was marked by his highly visible role and the distinct selection of honorees.

2. The Oval Office Medal Ceremony and Hosting Role

The events leading up to the main gala were equally telling of the President’s new level of involvement. A medal-presentation ceremony was held in the Oval Office, where President Trump presented the medals to the honorees. This intimate, high-profile setting underscored his personal connection to the awards. The gala itself was hosted by the President, a role he reportedly claimed brought him "rave reviews". The event was a high-profile affair, featuring political guests like Kari Lake and Ambassador Ric Grenell alongside performers such as David Phelps.

3. The '98 Percent Involved' Selection Process

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the 2025 Honors was the selection of the honorees themselves. With his new role as Board Chair, Mr. Trump took an unprecedented hands-on role in curating the recipients, claiming in August 2025 to be "about 98 percent involved" in the selection process. The 2025 honorees, a group that reflected a distinct and diverse mix of cultural figures, included: * Sylvester Stallone: The iconic actor and filmmaker. * Kiss: The legendary rock band. * Gloria Gaynor: The disco music icon. * Michael Crawford: The acclaimed musical theater star. * A Country Music Singer: Unnamed in some reports, but part of the celebrated group. Reports indicated that his involvement went beyond mere suggestion, as he was said to have personally vetoed prospective honorees whom he found objectionable. This direct curatorial control immediately drew criticism from figures like Jack Schlossberg, who criticized the politicization of the awards.

4. Slamming 'Horrible People' in the Audience

The controversy extended even to the audience. Following the gala, Mr. Trump reportedly slammed "horrible people" whom he claimed were in attendance. This commentary on the arts patrons and attendees further highlighted the highly charged, political atmosphere surrounding the 2025 event, a stark contrast to the traditionally bipartisan and celebratory nature of the Honors.

From Absence to Authority: Analyzing the Shift in Presidential Arts Engagement

The arc of Donald Trump’s relationship with the Kennedy Center is a powerful case study in the politicization of American cultural institutions. His initial approach to the Honors was defined by a deliberate absence, followed by a dramatic shift to authority.

5. The Contrast with Previous Years

In his first year in office, Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump chose not to participate in the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors activities. Their stated reason was to "allow the honorees to celebrate without any political distraction," a move that was interpreted by many as a snub to the arts community. This absence set a precedent of distance between the Trump administration and the traditional Washington arts scene. The 2025 hosting and chairmanship, however, represented a 180-degree turn. By becoming the Board Chair, installing his own board, and personally vetting honorees, Mr. Trump not only inserted himself into the ceremony but placed himself, as one critic noted, at the center of the institution. This unprecedented level of engagement has been widely viewed as an attempt to reshape the cultural landscape of Washington, D.C., and align a major federal cultural institution with his personal vision. The long-term implications of the "Trump Kennedy Center" remain a subject of intense speculation. Will the institution retain its non-partisan prestige, or will it be permanently seen through a political lens? The 2025 Honors, featuring a mix of rock, disco, country, and Hollywood legends, has demonstrated that the awards can still draw major star power, but the process and the power dynamics behind the scenes have been fundamentally altered. The arts community is now grappling with how to navigate this new reality, balancing the celebration of artistic excellence with the political controversy that now defines the center's leadership.