Trump Hosts Kennedy Center Honors in Oval Office, Marks First Time for Sitting President

President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday night, marking the first time a sitting president has emceed the event. Trump, a former television host, delivered remarks during the medal presentation ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on December 6, 2025. The event, traditionally a bipartisan celebration of the arts, has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to Trump's involvement. According to sources, Trump's decision to host the event was seen as a move to assert his influence over the Kennedy Center, which he has been accused of politicizing. Trump has been known to take issue with the entertainment industry, which he has characterized as "liberal" and "out of touch" with the American people. In a statement released on Saturday, Trump said, "I've watched some of the people that host, and I have to say, it's not my cup of tea." He was referring to Jimmy Kimmel, a comedian and late-night talk show host who has been a vocal critic of Trump's policies. The Kennedy Center Honors have been a staple of American cultural life for over four decades, recognizing the contributions of artists and performers to the arts. However, in recent years, the event has become increasingly politicized, with Trump's involvement being seen as a reflection of his broader efforts to reshape the cultural landscape. Trump has been accused of using the event as a platform to promote his own agenda and to exact revenge on his perceived enemies in the entertainment industry. The controversy surrounding the event has been fueled by Trump's decision to purge the Kennedy Center's board of directors of its liberal members and to install himself as chair. This move has been seen as a power grab by some, who argue that Trump is using the event to further his own interests and to silence his critics. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Kennedy Center said, "The Kennedy Center Honors are a celebration of the arts, and we are proud to recognize the contributions of artists and performers from all walks of life." The event has also been criticized by some in the entertainment industry, who see Trump's involvement as a betrayal of the event's traditional values. "The Kennedy Center Honors are a celebration of the arts, not a platform for politicians to promote their own agendas," said a spokesperson for the Screen Actors Guild. "We are disappointed that President Trump has chosen to use this event for his own purposes." The controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center Honors is likely to continue in the coming days and weeks, as the event's organizers and participants grapple with the implications of Trump's involvement. The event's future is uncertain, with some calling for a boycott of the event in protest of Trump's actions. As one observer noted, "The Kennedy Center Honors are a celebration of the arts, but they are also a reflection of the values and priorities of our society. If we allow politics to creep into this event, we risk losing the very thing that makes it special."