President Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, praising his renovations and honoring artists like Stallone and Gaynor in a politically charged event
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump took centre stage as host of the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, praising selected entertainers and his own forceful overhaul of the storied arts venue.
This year’s honorees included actor Sylvester Stallone, country singer George Strait, disco legend Gloria Gaynor, and rock band KISS.
Since returning to office, the 79-year-old Republican president has declared war on what he calls “woke” viewpoints within the nation’s cultural institutions.
“Each of these honorees has a story of success and triumph that would only have happened in the United States,” Trump told the audience.
While past presidents attended from the presidential box, Trump donned a tuxedo and seized the opportunity to be on stage with the stars.
“This is the greatest evening in the history of the Kennedy Center,” Trump said, telling the audience he had toured his initiated renovations.
Trump appointed himself board chairman for the Kennedy Center in February and has undertaken renovations of the white marble complex.
The show is scheduled to broadcast on CBS on December 23, with Trump claiming it was “already getting rave reviews” during taping.
The president may be attempting to pre-empt criticism that this year’s honorees were of a lower profile than past world-class stars.
During his first term, Trump boycotted the events as many artists declared they did not wish to meet him due to his policies.
This time, many honorees are Trump supporters or Republicans, including outspoken supporter Sylvester Stallone.
MAGA donor Gloria Gaynor was honoured for her hit “I Will Survive,” among other songs.
Country music’s George Strait and glam rock band KISS were also honoured without guitarist Ace Frehley, who passed away in October.
British actor Michael Crawford, known for “The Phantom of the Opera,” was also honoured in a genre Trump has said he is fond of.
Past honorees received a rainbow-colored ribbon collar, but this was deemed vulgar by the current White House.
This year’s honorees received a redesigned gold medallion from Tiffany and Co. hanging from a navy-blue ribbon.
The Kennedy Center’s new leadership has also ended drag shows and events celebrating the LGBTQ community.
Media reports indicate ticket sales at the Kennedy Center have declined since the president and his associates took over. – AFP
