Donald Trump Celebrates His Pantheon of Trump-Approved Stars
A New Era at the Kennedy Center
In a display mixing pomp with politics, President Trump—now chairman of the Kennedy Center—has personally curated the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. Forget the usual ivory-tower selections; this year, Trump’s choices reflect his personal brand, unapologetically nostalgic and unapologetically him.EW.comPeople.comThemThe Daily Beast
The Honorees: Trump’s Star-Spangled Lineup
Sylvester Stallone – Action Hero & MAGA Loyalist
Stallone, the Rocky legend, is a longtime vocal supporter. Trump lauded him as an underrated icon—calling him a metaphorical “Mr. Ambassador.”People.comNew York Post
Michael Crawford – Broadway’s Phantom Acclaimed
Renowned globally for Phantom of the Opera, Crawford earned Trump’s praise as “one of the greatest talents I’ve ever actually seen.”The Times
Gloria Gaynor – Disco Diva Meets Trump
The I Will Survive singer, an LGBTQ anthem staple, earned recognition despite ideological differences. Trump’s praise drew both support and sharp critique.PitchforkThem
Kiss – Rock Legends with Political Echo
Gene Simmons’ band may prefer fire and theatrics, but their presence on the honoree list suggests Trump favors symbols of unapologetic boldness.Pitchfork
George Strait – The Quiet Country Icon
A legend in country music, Strait’s low-key political posture adds a subtle nod to rural conservatism.People.com
Trump’s Hand in the Honor Roll
Rejecting the “Woke”
Trump admitted he personally filtered honorees, dismissing candidates he deemed “too woke.” The ceremony felt more like a MAGA reunion than an arts tribute.People.comThem
Putting Himself in the Spotlight
Not satisfied with honoring others alone, Trump joked about potentially honoring himself next year. He also appointed himself as the chairman of the Center.People.comThe Daily Beast
Institutional Shake-Up at the Kennedy Center
Board Overhaul & Personal Control
Trump replaced 18 board members appointed under President Biden, consolidating power and sparking resignations from high-profile figures like Shonda Rhimes and Renée Fleming.EW.comPitchforkThe Daily Beast
Renovations and Rebranding
Plans for a $250 million revamp—new seating, design changes, and maybe even replacing rainbow decor—signal Trump’s quest to stamp his aesthetic vision.The Daily Beast+1
Pop Culture Meets Politics
Nostalgia as Political Currency
Trump leaned heavily on 1980s icons and comfort culture—Stallone, Gaynor, Kiss—tapping emotions that many associate with a past heyday. A political time machine of sorts.The Daily BeastThem
Who Got Left Out—and Why it Matters
Artists aligned with progressive causes or the “woke” left—historically mainstays in such honors—were conspicuously absent, signaling a shift in values.ThemPitchfork
Reactions and Controversy
Backlash from Artists & LGBTQ Advocates
The irony of celebrating Gloria Gaynor, a symbol of resilience for LGBTQ communities, during a campaign criticized for anti-transgender policies stirred intense debate.Pitchfork
Support from the “Pantheon”
Tweeter praise and nostalgia reign. The honorees were clearly chosen not just for their artistry but for their alignment with a specific cultural ethos—one that Trump wanted front and center.
Broader Implications for America’s Cultural Landscape
Rewriting Tradition
The Kennedy Center Honors has always been apolitical—or at least mainstream. Trump’s intervention turns it into a tool for ideological messaging.EW.comThem
Legacy or Power Play?
Is this about celebrating achievement, or constructing a legacy? The institutional shifts and personal branding suggest a power play masquerading as nostalgia.The Daily BeastEW.com
Summary of Key Moments
- Trump personally selected 2025 honorees aligned with his brand and political stance.
- The lineup includes Stallone, Crawford, Gaynor, Kiss, and Strait.
- He’s consolidated control of Kennedy Center, overturning established tradition.
- Nostalgia, image, and politics clashed in this year’s glittering, contentious ceremony.
Conclusion
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors is less about the arts and more about Trump’s cultural kingdom. By personally choosing a nostalgic star lineup, revamping the Center, and embedding his ideology in every ribbon and spotlight, Trump has turned a cherished institution into a stage for his own brand—and reshaped how power and culture intertwine.
FAQs
1. Who were the 2025 honorees selected by Trump?
Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss, and George Strait were chosen in a lineup reflecting Trump’s nostalgic and political vision.People.comPitchfork
2. Did Trump really reject artists he found “too woke”?
Yes—according to his own admission, he personally rejected candidates he judged to be too “woke” during the selection process.People.comThem
3. What changes happened at the Kennedy Center?
Trump replaced board members, appointed himself chairman, initiated $250 million renovations, and centralized control over programming and symbolism.EW.comThe Daily Beast
4. Why was there backlash over Gloria Gaynor’s selection?
As an emblematic figure in LGBTQ culture, her inclusion sparked criticism given the administration’s policies toward LGBTQ communities.Pitchfork
5. Is Trump expected to honor himself next year?
He joked about doing so, stating he had “never received this honor” and could imagine awarding it to himself in the future.
