[Donald Trump delivered opening remarks live at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors on December 7, 2025. The video of the event was broadcast by CBS on December 23, 2025. The event also included several pre-recorded tributes by Donald Trump. Video courtesy and copyright CBS.]
Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you. A very big hello and welcome to a very special evening, and one of the most important evenings in the American cultural realm. This is something going to be very special, and the Kennedy Center is very special, and we're bringing this building back to life like nobody ever thought was even possible.
And tonight we're here to congratulate the Kennedy Center honorees. This is our nation's highest recognition for lifetime achievement in the performing arts. And each of the incredible 2025 Kennedy Center honorees has earned the distinction many, many times over. They're really amazing, amazing people. They're among the greatest artists and actors, performers, musicians, singers, and songwriters ever to walk the face of the earth.
Personally, I love them all, and I know that America loves them also, and that's why this is such an exciting evening. So we are going to begin tonight with Sylvester Stallone and some of the fantastic things that he's done. And, uh, Sly, you've been my friend for a long time. You've been a very special friend in so many different ways.
When I needed help, I knew not to go to Sly because I don't think he would have been there for me. [Laughter] But now he would. But after tonight, I think he will. [Laughter] And we love you, Sly, it is a big honor, and congratulations to you and Jennifer and the family. A fantastic family, a fantastic man.
Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you.
[The remainder of the event included pre-recorded tributes by Donald Trump. They are included here.]
[Pre-recorded video clip] Michael Crawford is an acclaimed actor, singer, and philanthropist. A star, and I mean a big one, of Broadway. And truly one of the greatest talents I have ever seen on stage. He is phenomenal. Michael was born in England in 1942, and raised by a single mom. At an early age, he developed a love of performing, and by 1967, he made his Broadway debut.
Michael is world renowned for his original portrayal of the Phantom, and Andrew Lloyd Weber's Phantom of the Opera, one of the greats. A role he reportedly played more than 1,300 times in three and a half years. His outstanding portrayal won him the Tony Award for best actor in a musical, and helped the Phantom become the longest running musical in Broadway history, a fantastic musical it was.
Throughout his incredible career, Michael has earned two Olivier Awards, a Tony, multiple Emmy and Grammy nominations, and was made a commander of the order of the British Empire. Not bad. He's a once in a generation talent, with an unbelievable voice, who defined a role that will live forever in Broadway history and frankly, in musical history.
Congratulations, Michael, on a job well done.
[Pre-recorded video clip] George Strait is an actor, singer, songwriter, producer, cowboy, and rancher. But above all, George is the one and only king of country. Across four decades, George forged a country music legacy of unparalleled success, including more than 120 million records sold worldwide, 60 number one hits, and 33 platinum certified albums, more than any other living American.
Born in a small town in South Texas, George is a fourth generation Texan who has spent his entire life celebrating that American country heritage, which is just incredible. I love country. His influence spans generations. Just last year, the King of Country played before a sold out 110,000 person crowd at Kyle Field, and the second-largest American concert of all time.
It was a true testament to his enduring influence and appeal. George never chased a spotlight, the spotlight chased him. But no matter how famous he became, his authentic voice, strong image, and timeless music, will forever be rooted in the Texas country tradition. His songs will always find a home wherever American Patriots have found.
Congratulations to George Strait.
[Pre-recorded video clip] Gloria Gaynor is a two-time Grammy winner, known around the world as the first lady of disco. From her start in Newark, New Jersey, Gloria rose to international acclaim, with her chart topping 1978 hit, I Will Survive. The uplifting anthem won the 1980 Grammy for Best Disco Recording, and was inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2016. Gloria toured the world to sold out audiences, and her stardom rose higher and higher, making her an international legend of disco, and an American music icon.
In 2005, she was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. 15 years later, Gloria made one of the greatest career comebacks of modern times, winning a second Grammy in 2020 for her gospel album testimony, a historic achievement, truly historic. America will always be grateful for her brilliant singing and songwriting, and we will always find inspiration in those three simple words, "I will survive." Congratulations to Gloria Gaynor.
[Pre-recorded video clip] One of the greatest rock bands of all time is known by their distinctive look and their iconic name, Kiss. Kiss was formed in 1973 in New York City by founding band members, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. Together, they built a global sensation that has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and produced 30 gold albums, the most ever by an American band.
Throughout the 1970s, Kiss pushed the boundaries of rock and roll, with spectacular full scale productions, elaborate costumes, extensive makeup, and explosive pyrotechnics. During this time, they recorded a number of unforgettable tracks, such as Detroit Rock City and Rock and Roll All Night. After a period of reinvention in the 1980s and early '90s, the 1996 reunion of the original members sparked one of Rock's biggest and greatest comeback tours ever.
Today, Kiss still include Simmons and Stanley, along with guitarists, Tommy Thayer, and drummer Eric Singer. They are really fantastic. After more than half a century, they're members of one of the longest running active bands. Congratulations to a great rock and roll institution, Kiss.