Trump says he’ll nominate himself for 2026 Kennedy honors ahead of hosting this year’s ceremony
WASHINGTON, DC: Ahead of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, President Donald J Trump jokingly said that he could even nominate himself for the 2026 awards, a statement that showed his self-assurance and also his unorthodox way of dealing with current year's show.
When asked to give his view before hosting the 2025 event, Trump described the night not only as a recognition of artists' great work but also as a mirror of his idea for the center.
Trump breaks with decades of tradition with hosting duties
Trump has shattered the custom of many years by deciding explicitly to be the host.
President Trump @realDonaldTrump calls the Kennedy Center the “Trump Kennedy Center” while hosting, drawing laughter from the crowd. Earlier he said changing the name is not up to him pic.twitter.com/jek4amPoe1
— Nicholas A Ballasy (@NicholasBallasy) December 8, 2025
Until now, presidents used to show up at the function only for the sake of the ceremony; it is, therefore, the very first occasion of a president in office doing double duty as host and chairman of the board, following Trump's ousting of the center's management in the early part of this year.
Trump on ‘receiving a Kennedy Center honor next year'
According to a recent video interview, when asked if he could imagine receiving a Kennedy Center honor in the future, Trump replied, “Yeah, I think I’m going to nominate myself for next year.”
The comment underscores the distinct role he has assumed in steering the prestigious arts event.
Reporter asked… “Could you imagine receiving a Kennedy Center honor next year?”
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) December 7, 2025
Trump: “Yeah, I think I'm going to nominate myself for next year”
😂😂😂
pic.twitter.com/SYAXTz8zAU
This is the first time in history that a US president in office is hosting the Kennedy Center Honors. The 48th annual gala is a celebration of the arts and culture with a focus on lifetime contributions.
In 2025 the honorees are actor Sylvester Stallone, country music legend George Strait, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, rock band KISS, and Broadway star Michael Crawford.
Trump had a major influence on the list of names, and he has been majorly involved in the selection of the honorees this year.
Trump, 79, who once dreamed of being a theater producer, will honor the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, and Gloria Gaynor at the star-studded event, capping off a year of big changes at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
“There’s a big event,” the president teased last week, “at the Trump-Kennedy Center, excuse me, at the Kennedy Center.”
The splashy gathering to recognize stars for their impact on American arts and culture has been an annual staple in Washington, DC, since 1978.
While Trump had shunned the event during his first term, presidents have attended rather than emceeing it.
