$23M raised, traditions reshaped — Kennedy Center under new leadership

Washington, D.C. — On December 7, 2025, the 48th Kennedy Center Honors gala opened with a glittering red-carpet arrival, led by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. 

This year marks a historic shift: for the first time ever, a sitting U.S. President is serving as host of the Honors, rather than simply attending as a guest.  Trump, who earlier this year assumed chairmanship of the Kennedy Center following a comprehensive board overhaul, personally selected the 2025 honorees — including rock band KISS, actor Sylvester Stallone, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, country legend George Strait and stage actor Michael Crawford. 

As President and First Lady walked the red carpet, media and attendees noted Melania Trump’s elegant black-tie gown and Donald Trump’s classic tuxedo — setting a formal tone for the evening. 

Inside the Kennedy Center, the event featured tributes, live performances, and a formal medal presentation in the Oval Office earlier that day. The gala is scheduled to be broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on December 23. 

The 2025 ceremony also broke fundraising records: the Kennedy Center reportedly raised about US$23 million, nearly doubling last year’s total. The overhaul under Trump’s leadership — from board changes to building renovations — has signaled a new direction for the storied institution.