In a shocking turn of events, former US President Donald Trump is set to host the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors ceremony this weekend, marking a first for the event. Instead of attending as a guest like his predecessors, Trump will be taking center stage, hosting the show that celebrates America's cultural icons.
The decision comes as part of Trump's ongoing effort to challenge what he perceives as "woke" anti-American culture. He has long criticized the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which bears the name of a Democratic predecessor, and has made significant changes to its leadership and programming.
This year's honorees include Sylvester Stallone, known for his iconic Rocky franchise, rock band Kiss, and country music superstar George Strait. Gloria Gaynor, who had her feminist anthem "I Will Survive" recognized as a cultural icon, will also be honored.
However, it is not clear how the other honorees' views on Trump align with their personal politics. While some have expressed admiration for the former president in the past, others have been vocal critics of his policies and behavior.
Trump's decision to host the show has raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike. He had previously skipped the honors during his first term, citing disagreements with certain honorees. This year's event promises to be emotional for some members of Kiss, as the band's original lead guitarist Ace Frehley passed away earlier this year.
The ceremony is expected to be a celebration of American culture and the arts, with a lineup of performers and tributes to the honorees' work. While it remains to be seen how Trump will navigate his hosting duties without alienating any potential audience members, one thing is certain: this year's Kennedy Center Honors will be a unique and potentially divisive event in the history of the prestigious ceremony.
The decision comes as part of Trump's ongoing effort to challenge what he perceives as "woke" anti-American culture. He has long criticized the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which bears the name of a Democratic predecessor, and has made significant changes to its leadership and programming.
This year's honorees include Sylvester Stallone, known for his iconic Rocky franchise, rock band Kiss, and country music superstar George Strait. Gloria Gaynor, who had her feminist anthem "I Will Survive" recognized as a cultural icon, will also be honored.
However, it is not clear how the other honorees' views on Trump align with their personal politics. While some have expressed admiration for the former president in the past, others have been vocal critics of his policies and behavior.
Trump's decision to host the show has raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike. He had previously skipped the honors during his first term, citing disagreements with certain honorees. This year's event promises to be emotional for some members of Kiss, as the band's original lead guitarist Ace Frehley passed away earlier this year.
The ceremony is expected to be a celebration of American culture and the arts, with a lineup of performers and tributes to the honorees' work. While it remains to be seen how Trump will navigate his hosting duties without alienating any potential audience members, one thing is certain: this year's Kennedy Center Honors will be a unique and potentially divisive event in the history of the prestigious ceremony.
I mean, I get it, Trump wants to stir up some drama and showcase his own brand of ego-stroking, but hosting the Kennedy Center Honors? It's like he's trying to hijack an event that's supposed to be about celebrating America's cultural icons. And what's with all this "woke" anti-American culture nonsense? 
Like, who cares? It's just a bunch of old guys and gals being honored for their contributions to the arts.
can't believe trump is hostin this! like, I get it he wants to stir up some controversy but hosting kennedy center honors? that's kinda cool 
. Stallone, kiss, george strait... these guys are legends 
. idk how others feel about trump though, maybe some will be all smiles while others will be hella salty 
. gotta see it to believe it tho 
gonna be an emotional night with ace frehley's passing and all 
Trump taking center stage at Kennedy Center Honors is crazy! It's like he's trying to make a statement about who America really loves, and it's gonna be super interesting to see how that plays out. Will the honorees just sit there or speak truth to power? And what's with this "woke" anti-American culture thing... isn't that just code for disagreeing with him? 
. It's gonna be super awkward watching him try to give awards to people who have basically done everything right. And what about the other honorees? Will they just sit there and thank Trump for hosting or will they make a break for it? 
I hope it's the latter, lol. This is gonna be like watching a train wreck in slow motion 
.
. I'm not sure what's more cringeworthy – Trump hosting or Ace Frehley not being able to attend because of health issues 
. Either way, I guess we're in for an interesting night 
. either way, it's a weird 1st for the event... wonder how kiss is feelin' w/ ace frehley passin' in the middle of all this 