President Trump celebrated a star-studded lineup of the nation’s most “acclaimed and renowned” performers by awarding them newly-minted medals in the Oval Office.
Dressed in a tuxedo, Trump awarded gold medallions to to this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees December 6, including Academy Award-nominated “Rocky” actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone, Gene Simmons from KISS, singer Gloria Gaynor, actor Michael Crawford, and country music legend George Strait.
“This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans,” Trump boasted.
At the ceremony, the president draped a custom Tiffany & Co. medal around each honoree’s neck. Unlike the traditional rainbow ribbon with gold plates, the medal hung from a blue ribbon, featuring the recipient’s name on one side and the Kennedy Center with rainbow colors on the other. The luxury jeweler donated the prestigious medallions for the event.
Trump personally placed the Kennedy Center Honors medal around each honoree’s neck.
“This is perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled,” he said.
Outside the Oval Office, the Rose Garden echoed with hits like Gaynor’s 1978 anthem “I Will Survive” and KISS’s “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” along with other hits from the performers.
Kennedy Centre Honours recipient singer Gloria Gaynor receives a medal from US President Donald Trump during the Kennedy Centre Honours medal presentation ahead of tomorrow’s ceremony, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, December 6, 2025. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
The president also highlighted the ongoing renovations at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC.
“We are making something really special,” he said.
US President Donald Trump speaks during the Kennedy Center Honors dinner ahead of tomorrow’s gala, at the State Department in Washington, DC, December 6, 2025. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
“It’s been mistreated, a little bit like the White House has been mistreated to be honest with you, and we are bringing it back to a level that I don’t think any place in the country will see.”
Kennedy Centre Honours recipient actor Sylvester Stallone receives a medal from US President Donald Trump during the Kennedy Centre Honours medal presentation ahead of tomorrow’s ceremony, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, December 6, 2025. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 06: Actor Sylvester Stallone (L) and actor Michael Crawford (R) look on during a medal presentation ceremony with U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees in the Oval Office of the White House on December 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. The 2025 Kennedy Center honorees are Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, the rock band KISS, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Getty Images)
Trump, the chairman of the Kennedy Center, will host the 48th annual awards show Sunday, and is expected to be joined by First Lady Melania. (RELATED: Tommy Hilfiger, Kurt Russell Among Celebrities On Star-Studded Kennedy Center Honors Guest List)
The 48th Kennedy Center Honors ceremony is set for Sunday evening.
0 comments