President Trump congratulated a star-studded lineup of the nation's most “celebrated and renowned” performers, presenting them with newly minted medals in the Oval Office.
Dressed in a tuxedo, Trump presented gold medallions to this year's winners. Kennedy Center Laureates Dec. 6, including Academy Award-nominated actor and “Rocky” director Sylvester Stallone, KISS' Gene Simmons, singer Gloria Gaynor, actor Michael Crawford and country music legend George Strait.
“This is a group of extraordinary individuals whose work and achievements have inspired, encouraged and united millions and millions of Americans,” Trump boasted.
At the ceremony, the president placed a custom Tiffany & Co. medal around each honoree's neck. Unlike the traditional rainbow ribbon with gold plates, the medal hung on a blue ribbon with the recipient's name on one side and the Kennedy Center in rainbow colors on the other. The luxury jeweler donated prestigious medallions for the event.
Trump personally placed the Kennedy Center Honors Medal around the neck of each recipient.
“This is perhaps the most accomplished and distinguished class of Kennedy Center honorees ever assembled,” he said.
Outside the Oval Office, the Rose Garden played hits such as Gaynor's 1978 anthem “I Will Survive” and KISS's “I Was Made for Lovin' You,” as well as other hits from the artists.
Kennedy Center Honor recipient Gloria Gaynor receives her medal from US President Donald Trump during the Kennedy Center Medal presentation before tomorrow's ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on December 6, 2025. (Photo by Brendan SMILOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
The President also highlighted ongoing renovations at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
“We’re doing something really special,” he said.
US President Donald Trump speaks during an honor dinner at the Kennedy Center ahead of tomorrow's State Department gala in Washington, DC, December 6, 2025. (Photo by Brendan SMILOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
“Frankly, it was mistreated, a little like the White House was mistreated, and we're bringing it back to a level that I don't think any place in the country will see.”
Kennedy Center Honor recipient actor Sylvester Stallone receives a medal from US President Donald Trump during the Kennedy Center Medal presentation before tomorrow's ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, December 6, 2025. (Photo by Brendan SMILOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 6: Actor Sylvester Stallone (L) and actor Michael Crawford (R) watch the medal ceremony with US President Donald Trump for the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees in the Oval Office of the White House on December 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. The 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees include Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, KISS, Gloria Gaynor and Michael Crawford. (Photo by Aaron Swartz/Getty Images)
Trump, chairman of the Kennedy Center, will host the 48th annual awards ceremony on Sunday and is expected to be joined by first lady Melania. (RELATED: Tommy Hilfiger, Kurt Russell among celebs on Kennedy Center's star-studded guest list)
The 48th Kennedy Center Honors are set for Sunday evening.
