Trump Awards Medals to Kennedy Center Honorees Gene Simmons, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor and More in Star-Studded Ceremony

Former President Donald Trump stepped into the spotlight at the Kennedy Center as he awarded medals to a distinguished list of American cultural icons, including rock legend Gene Simmons, country superstar George Strait, and disco queen Gloria Gaynor. The ceremony—one of the most prestigious arts celebrations in the United States—brought together entertainers, political leaders, and cultural figures for a night filled with tributes and performances.

Trump, who has maintained an active presence in the arts and entertainment sphere, praised the honorees for their contributions to American culture. Each recipient was recognized for decades of influence, innovation, and artistic achievement, spanning genres from rock to country to soul.

Gene Simmons, best known as the flamboyant co-founder of KISS, received warm applause as his groundbreaking impact on rock music and stage performance was acknowledged. George Strait, revered as the “King of Country,” was honored for a career that reshaped modern country music with dozens of chart-topping hits. Gloria Gaynor, whose anthem “I Will Survive” remains a cultural pillar, was celebrated for her enduring legacy and influence across generations.

Other honorees from fields including dance, theater, and film were also recognized, making the evening a wide-ranging celebration of artistic excellence. The ceremony featured performances and video retrospectives highlighting each artist’s journey and achievements, creating an atmosphere of heartfelt reflection and admiration.

The event drew a notable guest list as well, with celebrities, lawmakers, and members of the arts community filling the hall. Many noted that the ceremony offered a rare moment of unity—one where the focus shifted to creativity, cultural impact, and the transformative power of the arts.

For the honorees, the night represented both personal triumph and national recognition. And for the Kennedy Center, the celebration reaffirmed its longstanding mission: honoring the individuals whose craft has shaped the American cultural landscape.