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Trump's First Kennedy Center Honors Draws 3M Amid Controversy

1/1/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 48th Kennedy Center Honors on December 23, 2025 drew 3.01 million viewers, down from 4.1 million the prior year.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the ceremony for the first time.
The event honored Sylvester Stallone and Gloria Gaynor.
Controversy arose over Trump's actions, including the renaming of the Kennedy Center venue and a board overhaul, causing performance cancellations.
Backlash from the arts community has grown amid these changes.

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Story summary

The 48th Kennedy Center Honors on December 23, 2025 drew 3.01 million viewers, down from 4.1 million the prior year.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the ceremony for the first time.
The event honored Sylvester Stallone and Gloria Gaynor.
Controversy arose over Trump's actions, including the renaming of the Kennedy Center venue and a board overhaul, causing performance cancellations.
Backlash from the arts community has grown amid these changes.