At the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, President Trump took center stage, unveiling a lineup of ’80s icons as if he were hosting a game show. The atmosphere buzzed with nostalgia as he theatrically revealed the honorees, flanked by young women who unveiled portraits of the nominees.
This year’s selections featured some of Trump’s personal favorites: George Strait, the “King of Country,” aged 73; Michael Crawford, 83, known for his role in Phantom of the Opera; Sylvester Stallone, 79, famed for his Rambo character; Gloria Gaynor, 81, celebrated for her anthem “I Will Survive”; and the legendary rock band Kiss, all in their 70s.
In a lengthy address, Trump boasted about being appointed to host the event after assuming the role of board chairman earlier this year. He lamented never having received the honor before and humorously suggested he might award himself next year. He also noted his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, claiming it was larger than Stallone’s.
The nominees represent a golden era of entertainment when Trump mingled with Hollywood’s elite, many of whom distanced themselves from him post-presidency. Strait has sold over 120 million records globally, while Crawford is renowned for his Broadway performances, including the iconic Phantom role. Trump reminisced about attending Crawford’s debut in 1967, veering off to compare voices with Luciano Pavarotti mid-speech.
Stallone, an award-winning actor known for his roles in Rocky and Rambo, was praised by Trump, who claimed he never received due credit for his own talents. “Sly is a pillar of American pop culture,” Trump stated. “The only name bigger on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is Donald Trump.”
Gaynor’s disco hits have made her a cultural icon, particularly her Grammy-winning track “I Will Survive.” Meanwhile, Kiss, one of the best-selling bands ever, originated from Trump’s former hometown of New York City. He hinted at a special performance from them ahead of the ceremony.
Since resuming power, Trump has sought to align himself with the Kennedy Center. Earlier this year, he dismissed members of the board and appointed himself chairman, bringing in close allies like Richard Grenell as president and other key figures as trustees.
“Since I became chairman, we have completely reversed the decline of this cherished national institution,” he claimed, highlighting over $250 million in funding approved by Congress for renovations. He promised a complete overhaul of the center’s infrastructure.
Trump’s vision extends beyond the Kennedy Center; he expressed a desire to revitalize Washington, D.C., addressing crumbling road medians and cleaning up parks. Large portraits of himself and key officials now adorn the center’s walls as part of this transformation.
In June, Trump and First Lady Melania attended the opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony is set for December and will be broadcast nationwide.
