President Donald Trump is turning up the glitz and glam for this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, revealing that KISS and Sylvester Stallone will be among the star-studded lineup of honorees. The announcement came Wednesday after the President — named chairman of the center earlier this year — unveiled all five recipients for the prestigious 2025 ceremony.
“Sly’s not someone looking for public adulation,” Trump said of Stallone. “But when I called to tell him the good news, he was incredibly honored.”
Trump Reminisces About ‘Rambo’
Trump shared a personal anecdote about the first time he watched “First Blood”, praising Stallone’s legendary acting chops and noting that the film left him “totally blown away.” Stallone’s honor doubles as a nod to Trump’s Hollywood connections — he named Stallone a Special Ambassador back in January, alongside Mel Gibson and Jon Voight.
Rock Legends Get Their Due
The Kennedy Center is also spotlighting rock royalty KISS, marking a major return of rock and roll to the awards stage. While Gene Simmons has had a mixed history commenting on Trump, the band’s past members, like Ace Frehley and Paul Stanley, lean conservative, making the honor a natural fit for the President’s circle.
Other Honorees Round Out the Class of 2025
Joining Stallone and KISS are music icons George Strait and Gloria Gaynor, as well as stage and screen legend Michael Crawford. Notably, Tom Cruise reportedly declined an offer to be honored, according to the Washington Post, though he has not publicly commented.
Trump Jokes About Missing His Own Honor
True to form, Trump joked about always wanting a Kennedy Center honor himself, quipping that despite waiting, the call never came — though now, as chairman, he joked, “Maybe next year they’ll unveil my face at the event!”
Mark Your Calendars
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors are set for December, promising an unforgettable evening filled with Hollywood glamour, legendary music, and iconic tributes. Fans can expect both heartfelt speeches and electrifying performances as the nation celebrates these luminaries.
Congrats to all this year’s honorees — from Rambo to rock legends, it’s shaping up to be a star-studded night!
