By Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON, Dec 7 – President Donald Trump will solidify his takeover of Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday when he hosts its annual flagship event.

This year’s Kennedy Center Honors, widely seen as the top U.S. recognition for achievement in performing arts, will fete actor Sylvester Stallone, disco singer Gloria Gaynor, country musician George Strait, “Phantom of the Opera” star Michael Crawford and rock band KISS.

Trump, who had a hand in picking the recipients, did not attend Kennedy Center events during his first term. But he has taken a keen interest in the institution during his second, firing its president, installing a new board that made him chair and ordering a renovation of the building.

“It’s been tired. It’s been mistreated

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