President Trump has revealed the recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. On Wednesday, Trump announced the list of influential figures, which included music superstars, actors and legendary performers.
The Kennedy Center honors are given to individuals in recognition of lifetime contributions to American art and culture. In making the announcement, President Trump described the class of nominees as “truly exceptional.”
Trump revealed the first recipient, country superstar George Strait, describing him as “beloved by hundreds of millions of people all over the world.” Trump noted the achievements of Strait’s career, including selling more than 120 million records worldwide, producing 60 #1 hits, and releasing 60 albums that achieved platinum status, more than any other living American.
Broadway actor Michael Crawford was next on the list of honorees. Trump described Crawford as “one of the greatest talents I’ve ever actually seen,” and gave a brief history of Crawford’s stage career, including his Broadway debut in 1967.
“I was there,” Trump said. “I shouldn’t say that, but I was there. It seems like a long time ago.” Trump noted Crawford’s career success in the 1980s for his original portrayal of the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, a role that earned him the Tony Award for Best Actor.
Trump then recognized nominee Sylvester Stallone, describing him as a friend and “a very special guy.” Trump praised Stallone for his unique talent, saying, “Nobody else could have done the roles like he did them, not even close.”
Trump highlighted Stallone’s achievements in legendary movie roles for both “Rambo” and “Rocky,” and shared his personal memories of both films, including seeing “Rambo” in theaters when it was released.
Also included among the honorees was singer Gloria Gaynor. Trump described Gaynor as “one of the most revered singers of the American disco era,” and pointed out her status as a disco icon due in part to her well-known 1978 hit “I Will Survive,” for which she won a Grammy award for Best Disco recording.
Finally, the rock band Kiss will be honored at the gala. Trump described the group as “one of the greatest rock bands of all time,” and highlighted the group’s achievements as a “global phenomenon,” selling more than 100 million records worldwide and producing more than 30 gold albums. “They’re great people, they deserve it, they work hard and they’re still working hard,” Trump said.