Gallery Launch Gallery Getty

The 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors is about about to get underway ... and, the event's already feeling President Donald Trump 's presence -- with POTUS drawing eyes on the red carpet.

The prez arrived at the event in a tuxedo Sunday in a classic tuxedo ... bowtie around his neck and a serious expression on his face as he posed with First Lady Melania Trump . Getty

Ever the model, Melania pulled of her sleevless black dress flawlessly ... the hint of a smile playing on her full lips. She firmly planted her right hand planted in her husband's left during the shoot.

While President Trump's the host, he's not the biggest draw of the night ... with stars like Sylvester Stallone , George Strait and Michael Crawford actually receiving t

See Full Page