ENTERTAINMENT

Trump Hosts Kennedy Center Honorees in Oval Office

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 83%

Rigt 17%

Sources: 6

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees in the Oval Office on Saturday, presenting medals to Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Kiss and Michael Crawford. Since returning to office in January, Trump replaced the center's board with GOP appointees and said he was largely involved in selecting this year's honorees in August; traditional selections had been made by a bipartisan committee. The White House described the Oval Office gathering as a medal presentation. The Kennedy Center vice president said major outlets sought credentials for the ceremony this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Timeline

January 2025: President Trump returned to office and replaced the Kennedy Center board with GOP-aligned trustees.
August 2025: Trump personally announced the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees and said he was 'about 98% involved.'
Early December 2025: Kennedy Center public relations noted major outlets seeking credentials for upcoming events.
Saturday (early December 2025): The White House hosted the 2025 honorees in the Oval Office for a medal presentation.
Post-ceremony (December 2025): Media reports and outlets discussed selection transparency and access to the ceremony.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

President Trump and aligned GOP appointees benefited from prominent public visibility and perceived influence over honoree selection and ceremonial presentation.

Who Suffered

The Kennedy Center's institutional norms and perceived bipartisan selection process suffered scrutiny, and some legacy media outlets faced restricted access or last-minute credential challenges.

Expert Opinion