Kennedy Center Honorees
A Matter of Taste or Lack Thereof
By: Charles Giuliano - Aug 13, 2025
In 1961 Americans were enthralled when Pablo Casals was invited to perform at the White House. The Kennedys were noted for their support for the arts. The poet Robert Frost recited verse at the Inauguration.
Rightly the world renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is named for this enlightened president. Current president, Donald J. Trump, would like to rename the Center or at the least share co-billing.
In bringing the nation to heel that includes crushing freedom of expression in the arts. He has appointed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center and today announced the honorees for an annual event that he will preside over.
There were other artists on the level of Casals that were available. Some were nominated but we learned that Trump nixed them as too “woke.” We assume that the current recipients have been vetted and are politically asleep.
The president, wife Melania, special guests and loyalists will be serenaded by Kiss a heavy metal rock band. That speaks volumes about the taste, or lack thereof, for the current administration.
Kiss, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, and English actor Michael Crawford will receive the Kennedy Center Honors at a Donald Trump-hosted ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 8.
Not that we cast aspersion on these individuals who are renowned for achievement in their field. They are entitled to accept the invitation of presidential recognition. The matter is more one of trend setting, recognition and taste making. While making no waves with safe selections this notable event promises to be an evening that will inspire only the base. In this instance the very definition of base.
On prior occasions the awards recognized some of the finest and most influential creators in our nation. It promises to be a dull evening. Who is likely to tune in an all star game with no stars?
This is another instance of Trump making America not so great again.