KISS to Receive Kennedy Center Honors in 2025

Washington, D.C. — In a dramatic move that signals a new era for one of America’s premier arts institutions, President Donald Trump—now serving as chairman of the Kennedy Center—announced that the iconic glam-metal band KISS will be among the recipients of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. The ceremony, which recognizes lifetime achievements in the performing arts, will take place in December and, in a break with tradition, will be hosted by the President himself.

A Politicized Turn at the Kennedy Center

Trump’s announcement, made during a press event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025, comes amid sweeping changes he has instituted at the institution. Since assuming the chairmanship, he has reshaped the board, removed trustees appointed during the Biden administration, and installed loyalists in leadership positions. These changes have stirred controversy within the arts community, drawing protests and programming cancellations, including by LGBTQ+ artists and productions such as Hamilton.

KISS Honored Alongside Cultural Icons

KISS joins a diverse and celebrated roster of honorees that includes:

• George Strait, the “King of Country Music” and one of the genre’s most successful artists

• Sylvester Stallone, iconic actor known for his portrayal of Rocky and Rambo

• Michael Crawford, esteemed English stage actor famed for The Phantom of the Opera

• Gloria Gaynor, disco legend best known for her anthem “I Will Survive”, which holds significant cultural meaning within the LGBTQ+ community

KISS, known for their theatrical performances, face paint, and electrifying stage presence, are now being formally recognized for their enduring influence on American music and pop culture.

The Ceremony—Trump Takes the Helm

In an unprecedented decision, President Trump confirmed that he will personally host the ceremony—marking the first time a sitting president has taken that role. The event is scheduled for December 8, 2025, and will be broadcast by CBS. Trump also signaled his intent to embark on a major renovation of the Kennedy Center, aiming to restore its perceived grandeur in alignment with America's upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.

A Controversial Legacy

This iteration of the Kennedy Center Honors will likely go down in history as one of the most politically charged, as it reflects the intersection of culture and ideology under Trump’s stewardship of the institution. The inclusion of KISS—along with artists whose work spans distinct genres and generations—highlights both the diversity of artistic achievement and the deep partisan debates now impacting the traditionally apolitical nature of the Honors.