Ratings for the Kennedy Center Honors plummeted this year, averaging 3.01 million viewers, a 25% drop from last year's numbers, according to Nielsen Live Same Day Panel Big Data. The decline follows Donald Trump's decision to add his name to the historic venue and host the event.

The 2024 show had already hit a record low of 4.1 million viewers, down from 4.5 million the previous year, signaling a concerning trend for the annual celebration of artistic achievement. This year's honorees included country music star George Strait and actor Sylvester Stallone.

The Kennedy Center Honors, according to its website, celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped our world. Trump is the first sitting president to host the event, a move that has been met with mixed reactions within the entertainment industry and among the public.

The significant drop in viewership raises questions about the cultural impact and audience appeal of the Kennedy Center Honors under its new leadership. The numbers suggest a potential disconnect with viewers, possibly stemming from political polarization or a shift in the show's overall tone and presentation.

Variety reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment, but they did not immediately respond. The future of the Kennedy Center Honors and its ability to attract a broad audience remains uncertain as the organization navigates this period of change.