Trump Announces 2024 Kennedy Center Honors: Stallone, Crawford, Strait, Gaynor and KISS

President Trump announced on Wednesday that the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors will recognize action star Sylvester Stallone, stage actor Michael Crawford, country singer George Strait, disco legend Gloria Gaynor and rock band KISS. Breaking with tradition, Trump will host this year’s ceremony, one of the country’s highest awards for artists.

After resuming the presidency, Trump overhauled the board and leadership of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and assumed the chairmanship, drawing criticism over political interference in the arts. He pledged a complete renovation of the federally funded venue overlooking the Potomac River.

Controversial Selections and “Woke” Rejections

Trump said he was “98% involved” in choosing the honorees and claimed he rejected candidates deemed too “woke.” He also criticized the Academy Awards and other arts institutions for what he called excessive liberal bias. He acknowledged that some artists turned down the honor in protest.

Honorees’ Reactions

Stallone, a vocal Trump supporter, praised the president’s election victory as unparalleled. In contrast, KISS frontman Gene Simmons, who has previously described Trump as self-serving, remains a skeptic.

Renovation and Future Plans

As chairman, Trump vowed to restore the Kennedy Center as a “crown jewel” in time for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. His moves led several performers, including the producers of Hamilton, to cancel scheduled engagements, citing threats to artistic freedom.

Broader Cultural Oversight

Trump’s administration also announced a review of Smithsonian exhibits and online content to ensure alignment with “American ideals,” giving the institution 120 days to address any issues.

Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center and his selection process signal a new era of political influence over America’s premier arts institution.

This topic was reported by BBC News.

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