Topline
Actors Sylvester Stallone and Michael Crawford, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, and rock band Kiss were named as the first recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors since President Donald Trump took over the Washington, D.C., performing arts center in February.
Trump named “Rocky” actor Sylvester Stallone, one of the three actors Trump appointed as “special ambassadors” to Hollywood who has previously described the president as the “second George Washington,” as one of this year’s honorees.
The other honorees are country singer George Strait, whom Trump said has sold more than 120 million records, disco star and “I Will Survive” singer Gloria Gaynor, Tony Award-winning stage actor Michael Crawford and rock band Kiss.
Trump also announced he will host the Kennedy Center Honors later this year, after both the center and his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles urged him to.
In February, Trump fired and replaced former President Joe Biden’s Kennedy Center board appointees and was elected its new chairman, after he criticized the Kennedy Center for hosting “Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth,” likely referring to an event the center held for LGBTQ youth in 2024.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.