CBS airs rebranded 'Trump-Kennedy Center Honors' with Trump as host; 'Would you like me to leave the presidency in order to make hosting a full-time job?' quips US president on Truth Social

CBS has aired a rebranded version of the annual Kennedy Center Honors, now titled the 'Trump-Kennedy Center Honors', with US President Donald Trump serving as host. The special marks a notable shift in tone and presentation from previous editions of the long-running cultural celebration. Traditionally dedicated to honoring lifetime artistic achievement in music, theater, film and dance, the event now places a stronger spotlight on presidential involvement. The broadcast has sparked discussion across political and entertainment circles, with supporters calling it a fresh approach and critics questioning the rebranding of a historically bipartisan arts institution.


This year’s Kennedy Center Honors, recorded earlier this month, marks Trump’s first appearance at the annual event across his two terms in office. He also took on the role of host, breaking with long-standing tradition, as past presidents typically sat alongside the honorees and watched the performances rather than hosting the ceremony.



In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday morning, Trump promoted the broadcast, saying it would be “honoring true GREATS in the history of entertainment.” He also joked about his role, writing: “Tell me what you think of my ‘Master of Ceremony’ abilities. If really good, would you like me to leave the presidency in order to make ‘hosting’ a full-time job?”


Since returning to the White House earlier this year, President Trump has moved swiftly to reshape Washington in his own image, reported CBS. That transformation is evident at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center. The iconic performing arts venue traces its origins back more than 60 years, to the Eisenhower administration, underscoring the significance of the change.



WHO ARE THE 2025 KENNEDY CENTER HONORS RECIPIENTS

Trump announced this year’s list of Kennedy Center honorees over the summer, recognizing a diverse group of influential figures from music, film and theater. The honorees include country music legend George Strait and disco icon Gloria Gaynor, along with rock band Kiss members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and the late Ace Frehley. Musical theater star Michael Crawford and Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone are also among those honored for their lasting contributions to entertainment.


This year’s Kennedy Center Honors also debut a redesigned medallion. The traditional rainbow-colored ribbons with three gold bars have been replaced by gold medallions designed by Tiffany & Co. Each medallion features an etching of the Kennedy Center on one side, with rainbow colors subtly incorporated, while the reverse displays the honoree’s name and award year.

The medallion is suspended from a navy blue ribbon, a color the center describes as 'associated with dignity and tradition'. The updated design offers a modernized yet respectful take on the iconic award, blending contemporary aesthetics with the ceremony’s longstanding legacy.