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Sylvester Stallone among Kennedy Center honourees announced by Trump

August 13, 2025

President Donald Trump has announced the 2023 Kennedy Center honorees: Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and KISS. Breaking tradition, Trump will host the ceremony himself after taking over as chairman of the Kennedy Center, having fired its president and much of its board earlier this year. Trump claimed to be "98% involved" in selecting the honorees and rejected potential candidates he deemed "wokesters.

Who is affected

  • The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  • This year's honorees: Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and KISS
  • Performers who canceled engagements at the Center, including producers of "Hamilton"
  • Artists who declined the honor due to Trump's involvement
  • Potential honorees rejected for being "wokesters"
  • The Center's former president and board members who were fired

What action is being taken

  • Trump is hosting the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony
  • Trump is leading the Kennedy Center as chairman
  • Trump is planning to fully renovate the Kennedy Center
  • Trump's administration is conducting a review of Smithsonian Institution exhibitions
  • Performers are canceling engagements at the Kennedy Center in protest

Why it matters

  • The situation represents a significant departure from the Kennedy Center's 54-year tradition of independence from political leadership
  • Many view Trump's takeover as political interference in the arts
  • The changes affect one of the country's highest recognitions for artists
  • The renovations are being positioned as part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026
  • The situation has prompted protests from artists, with some refusing the honor and others canceling performances

What's next

  • Trump plans to renovate the Kennedy Center to make it a "crown jewel" of arts and culture by 2026
  • The Smithsonian Institution has 120 days to address problems identified in the administration's review of its exhibitions

Read full article from source: BBC