Story perspectives

Gene Simmons Faces Backlash Over Trump Comments and Senate Testimony

12/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

Gene Simmons, co-founder and bassist of KISS, drew backlash after a press tour interview urging Americans to stop worrying about political opinions and criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Kennedy Center Honors.
Simmons praised Trump’s East Wing ballroom, likening it to Versailles.
Simmons made insensitive comments about Ace Frehley’s death.
Simmons testified before the Senate, claiming radio stations earned $14 billion last year while artists received nothing, equating it to slavery.

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Story summary

Gene Simmons, co-founder and bassist of KISS, drew backlash after a press tour interview urging Americans to stop worrying about political opinions and criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Kennedy Center Honors.
Simmons praised Trump’s East Wing ballroom, likening it to Versailles.
Simmons made insensitive comments about Ace Frehley’s death.
Simmons testified before the Senate, claiming radio stations earned $14 billion last year while artists received nothing, equating it to slavery.