Trump Announces Kennedy Center Honors Nominees, Revamps Leadership

US President Donald Trump has announced the nominees for this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, including actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor, British performer Michael Crawford, the rock band Kiss, and country music star George Strait. This marks the beginning of Trump’s tenure as chairman of the prestigious arts organization, a role he has taken on following a significant overhaul of its leadership.

Crawford, renowned for his performance in Phantom of the Opera on both Broadway and the West End, joins an illustrious list of past honorees that includes Andrew Lloyd Webber, who received the award in 2006. The Kennedy Center has a rich history of recognizing influential artists, with previous British honorees such as Elton John in 2004 and Dame Julie Andrews in 2001.

In a statement, Trump expressed his commitment to revitalizing the Kennedy Center, stating he aims to “fully renovate” its infrastructure, making it a “crown jewel” of American arts and culture. He remarked, “We’re going to bring it to a higher level than it ever hit,” indicating that the venue will play a significant role in the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary next year.

Historically, the Kennedy Center Honors have been selected by a bipartisan advisory committee, which has included a diverse range of recipients over the years, from Tom Hanks to Aretha Franklin. Trump’s involvement in the nomination process is notable, as he mentioned he was “about 98% involved” in the selection of this year’s honorees, having dismissed names he deemed “too woke” or liberal.

Prior to this year, Trump largely avoided the Kennedy Center Honors during his first term, as many artists refused to attend in protest of his policies. This year, however, he has taken an active role, replacing the board of trustees with close allies after expressing dissatisfaction with the center’s condition, which he described as being in a state of “tremendous disrepair.”

The Kennedy Center released a statement expressing its honor to host Trump, who will be visiting for the third time since January. The organization hinted at upcoming construction projects aimed at restoring the venue’s “prestige and grandeur.” Trump emphasized the need for improvements, stating, “It had fallen on hard times, physically, BUT WILL SOON BE MAKING A MAJOR COMEBACK!!!”

In recent months, Trump’s aggressive approach to the Kennedy Center has drawn criticism from some artists. The producers of the Broadway hit Hamilton withdrew from staging the musical in 2026, citing concerns over Trump’s leadership. Other artists, including actor Issa Rae and singer Rhiannon Giddens, have also cancelled events in response to the political climate surrounding the center.

The Kennedy Center Honors, established in 1978, celebrate contributions to American culture through the performing arts. Recipients receive a medallion on a rainbow ribbon, signifying the diversity of the arts. Recently, the center altered its exterior lighting from a rainbow display to a permanent red, white, and blue illumination, reflecting a shift in its branding.

Trump’s renewed focus on the Kennedy Center includes proposals to rename parts of the venue. In July, House Republicans added an amendment to a spending bill that he signed, aiming to rename the Opera House after Melania Trump. A separate proposal to rename the entire center after Trump himself has drawn criticism, with Maria Shriver, a niece of the late President Kennedy, calling it “insane.”

As the Kennedy Center prepares for its upcoming celebrations and renovations, the artistic community watches closely, anticipating how Trump’s leadership will shape the future of this iconic institution. The announcement of this year’s honorees and the planned enhancements reflect a new chapter for the Kennedy Center, blending tradition with Trump’s distinct vision for its future.