The Trump Center Honors: When Narcissism Gets a Standing Ovation

By Rob Yanes | GOPocalypse Now

Once upon a time, the Kennedy Center Honors was a dignified, bipartisan celebration of America’s cultural giants. It was the kind of event where the President sat quietly in the balcony, smiled, and clapped politely while someone else got the spotlight.

Now? It’s The Trump Center Honors™ — brought to you by ego, gold spray paint, and the urgent need for one man to insert himself into every frame of American history.

Act I: The Art of the Self-Award

In case you missed it, Donald Trump personally announced the 2025 honorees:

• George Strait
• Sylvester Stallone
• Gloria Gaynor
• KISS
• Michael Crawford

Then he proudly revealed he’ll be hosting the ceremony himself, boasting that he was “98% involved” in picking the winners. Because of course he was. Why delegate when you can be the entire selection committee, emcee, producer, and — let’s be real — the intended recipient of the unspoken “biggest star in the room” award?

And in a plot twist that would make even the Kardashians blush, Trump also suggested he might select himself for a future award. Yes — the man who already runs the event is openly workshopping his acceptance speech for an award he hasn’t technically given himself… yet.

Act II: Make the Kennedy Center Great Again (For Me)

Back in February, Trump fired the existing Kennedy Center board, replaced them with MAGA loyalists, and made himself chairman. Subtle, right?

Since then, there’s been a MAGA-fication of the arts:

• No classical or dance honorees for the first time in decades — apparently ballet is “too woke.”
• Beloved shows like Hamilton and Eureka Day canceled.
• Artists from Issa Rae to Renée Fleming to Shonda Rhimes pulling out faster than you can say “exit stage left.”

And because no Trump rebrand is complete without a name change, proposals started circulating to rename the venue the Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts, with the Opera House possibly rechristened the Melania Trump Opera House. JFK’s family has, shockingly, not warmed to the idea.

Act III: The Culture War Masquerade Ball

Trump insists the selections reflect “real America.” Translation: an 80s nostalgia playlist of men in spandex, disco survivors, and cowboy hats. He even bragged that he rejected some names for being “too liberal.” Imagine Beethoven trying to clear that audition.

The backlash? Swift and loud:

• Musicians protesting publicly — Yasmin Williams’ viral email exchange with interim director Richard Grenell was basically an open-mic roast of the new regime.
• Over 100 Kennedy Center staff past and present signed letters supporting dissent.
• Critics blasting the erasure of the rainbow ribbon medals, a move read as part of a larger anti-LGBTQ+ erasure effort.

But in Trump’s world, that’s just “ratings.” And yes, the event will be televised — December 7 on CBS and Paramount+ — so the whole nation can watch the arts community squirm in real time.

Act IV: The Performance That Never Ends

Remember when Trump skipped the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017 because the artists didn’t want him there? Fast forward to 2025, and now he IS the Kennedy Center Honors. It’s the classic Trump cycle:

1. Snub him.
2. He takes over.
3. You never get your building back.

The result? A glittery political rally disguised as a black-tie gala. The honorees are just set dressing for the main act — Trump basking in the applause that’s supposed to be for someone else, all while mentally rehearsing how great it will feel to hand himself next year’s trophy.

Act V: The Legacy Play

By hijacking an institution tied to JFK, Trump isn’t just rewriting history — he’s actively Photoshopping himself into it. If Camelot had knights, Trump would be the one demanding the biggest horse, the longest sword, and a solo number during the coronation.

And when the cameras roll, the narrative will be clear: the arts love Trump. Ignore the cancellations. Ignore the protests. Ignore the Kennedy family’s eye rolls. The chyron will read: TRUMP HONORS AMERICA’S GREATS — and in his mind, he’ll be right there at the top of the list.

TL;DR for Your Rage-Tweet

Trump didn’t just politicize the Kennedy Center — he converted it into a personal shrine, handed himself the mic, suggested he might win next year’s award, and curated a nostalgia playlist of his own glory days. The arts community isn’t clapping. But he’s sure you are.