Rock icons Kiss have expressed heartfelt gratitude after being named among the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors recipients, even though members of the band had previously been critical of President Donald Trump, who now oversees the institution.
Honoring a Legacy Under a Political Spotlight
The band — Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley — called the honor “deeply meaningful,” saying it reflects the American ideal that hard work and dedication can make anything possible. While in past years Stanley described Trump’s rhetoric as “abhorrent” and authoritarian, Kiss emphasized that this recognition is about celebrating their decades-long music legacy, not politics.
Star-Studded Honoree List
This year’s honorees include:
- Kiss
- Actor Sylvester Stallone
- Singer Gloria Gaynor
- Country music legend George Strait
- Musical theater star Michael Crawford
Trump’s Role in the Ceremony
Since taking charge of the Kennedy Center earlier this year, President Trump has reshaped the board and emphasized a focus on traditional, mainstream honorees. He is expected to personally host the ceremony, a move that has drawn both support and criticism.
From Critique to Commendation
In earlier interviews, Paul Stanley publicly condemned Trump’s comments after the 2020 election, while Gene Simmons voiced concerns about political polarization. Despite these past statements, the band is now choosing to focus on the honor itself, describing it as a celebration of music, culture, and perseverance.
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