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Introduction
George Strait Honored at the White House as a 2025 Kennedy Center Honoree
On December 6, President Donald Trump presented the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees with their medals during a formal ceremony held in the Oval Office. Among the recipients was country music legend George Strait, widely known as the “King of Country.”
(Photo credit: The White House / YouTube)
Although the annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will air on December 23, tradition calls for honorees to receive their medals earlier in the month. This year’s presentation took place at the White House, where President Trump—serving as chairman of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees—welcomed the honorees and praised their collective impact on American culture.
“This is a truly exceptional group,” Trump said. “These are icons whose work has inspired, uplifted, and united millions of Americans.” He went on to describe the 2025 class as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned group of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.”
The 48th class of honorees includes country star George Strait, stage actor Michael Crawford, film icon Sylvester Stallone, disco legend Gloria Gaynor, and rock band KISS. Highlighting their influence, Trump remarked that it is impossible to imagine country music without its “King,” disco without its “First Lady,” Broadway without its “Phantom,” rock ’n’ roll without one of its most iconic bands, or Hollywood without one of its greatest visionaries.
When it was time for Strait to receive his medal, Trump introduced him as a country music legend. Strait approached wearing his signature cowboy hat, paired with a formal suit and bowtie. As he stepped forward, he gestured to remove the hat, prompting a lighthearted exchange. Trump joked that Strait could leave it on, later commenting on his hair once the hat came off. Strait responded with humor, drawing laughter from those in attendance.
Trump then placed the medal around Strait’s neck, and the two shook hands before the ceremony continued with the remaining honorees.
Following the presentations, Trump spoke about recent renovations at the Kennedy Center, noting upgrades to the building, including new marble and improved acoustics. Earlier this year, Trump was unanimously elected chairman of the Kennedy Center Board after restructuring its leadership. While he emphasized plans to modernize the venue and restore its prominence, some critics have voiced concerns about how programming and artistic independence may evolve under the new leadership.