Trump turns star honours into his own showcase

Kennedy Center gala doubles as a display of presidential influence over America's top arts institution

WASHINGTON:

US President Donald Trump underscored his growing control over Washington's John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts by hosting its flagship awards programme, blending politics with a celebration of music and film luminaries.

This year's Kennedy Center Honours, widely regarded as the premier US recognition for achievement in the performing arts, honoured actor Sylvester Stallone, disco singer Gloria Gaynor, country musician George Strait, 'Phantom of the Opera' star Michael Crawford and rock band KISS.

Trump, who played a direct role in selecting the recipients, did not attend Kennedy Center events during his first term. But he has taken a forceful interest in the institution during his second, firing its president, installing a board that made him chair and ordering a major renovation of the building.

Sunday's ceremony marked the first time a sitting US president had hosted the Kennedy Center Honours, a role traditionally held by celebrities or other prominent figures. "The Kennedy Center is very special. We're bringing this building back to life," he said, addressing an enthusiastic crowd while standing centre stage.

Trump sat beside his wife, Melania, for most of the programme, delivering remarks at the start of each segment and again at the close. His introductions to tributes for each honouree were prerecorded and projected on a large screen.

The honourees largely welcomed his involvement. "Most probably I wouldn't be here if he ... wasn't a fan," Crawford told reporters before the show. KISS singer Gene Simmons added: "Whether you're a fan of the president or not, he's never boring."

Speaking to reporters, Trump declined to rule out adding his name to the Kennedy Center itself, saying the decision rested with the board he now chairs. At one point during his stage remarks, he referred to the venue as the "Trump Kennedy Center."

Last week, Trump's name was placed on the US Institute of Peace building. The former real estate developer, whose name adorns properties nationwide, is also reshaping the White House and Kennedy Center complexes, controversially demolishing the East Wing to make space for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

The Kennedy Center's new president, Ric Grenell — formerly Trump's ambassador to Germany — is overseeing the arts centre's multimillion-dollar refurbishment and revamping its programming, including hosting the 2026 World Cup draw on Friday. His tenure has brought staff turnover and disquiet in parts of the arts community over the institution's direction.

In the Oval Office a day earlier, Trump praised the honourees and presented them with newly designed gold medallions on blue ribbons, replacing the rainbow-coloured ribbons used since 1978 to symbolise the breadth of the performing arts.

"These are among the greatest artists, actors and performers of their generation," Trump said. "We can hardly imagine the country music phenomenon without its king of country, or the American disco without its first lady, or Broadway without its phantom... or Rock and Roll without its hottest band in the world, and that's what they are, or Hollywood without one of its greatest visionaries."

The show opened with a tribute to Stallone, who cemented his place in popular culture through films such as 'Rocky' and 'Rambo'. Actor Kurt Russell praised him, and Trump noted Stallone's early support for his presidential run.

The next segment honoured Crawford, who originated the lead role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'The Phantom of the Opera.' A soaring rendition of the title song and the ballad 'The Music of the Night' followed in tribute.

Singers Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert and country duo Brooks & Dunn performed selections for Strait's segment, while Gaynor — famed for her disco anthem 'I Will Survive' — was celebrated with a performance of her signature hit, complete with theatre-wide disco lighting.

The final tribute went to KISS, whose members Paul Stanley, Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss shot to fame in the 1970s with tracks such as 'I Was Made for Lovin' You.' Frehley died in October.

Garth Brooks delivered a powerful version of KISS's 'Shout It Out Loud,' and rock band Cheap Trick closed the night with 'Rock and Roll All Nite.' The Kennedy Center Honors broadcast will air on CBS on December 23.