President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, DC, on December 07, 2025 Allison Robbert/Getty Images

President Donald Trump took center stage at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday evening to pay tribute to the newest class of honorees , a group of performers and entertainers whose combined work spans music, stage and film.

Though the president has never been one to shy from spotlight, his turn as host for the Kennedy Center Honors’ annual prerecorded telecast meant the program — and the presidency — entered unchartered waters Sunday, a fitting crescendo following months of Trump’s personal interjections into the arts center’s management, entertainment program and architectural design.

“This place is

See Full Page