Iran Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise After Ship Attack Delays IMO Escort Mission 
Johns Hopkins University Lays Off 110 Employees as Federal Research Funding Declines 
Iran Attack in Strait of Hormuz Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
U.S. Reviewing Potential F-35 Fighter Jet Sale to Turkey Amid S-400 Dispute 
US Approves $250 Million Fighter Jet Training Sale to Australia 
Israel Heritage Bill Sparks Annexation Concerns in West Bank 
White House Seeks $1.4 Billion to Combat Growing Ebola Outbreak 
US Seeks Gulf Support for Iran Peace Deal Amid Regional Tensions 
Trump Requests $11 Billion More in Farm Aid as Rising Costs Pressure U.S. Farmers 
Trump Administration Rejects Claims of Rift Between JD Vance and Marco Rubio on Iran Policy 
NATO Chief Tries to Ease Trump Alliance Dispute 
Trump Orders DOJ Investigation Into Exxon, Chevron Over High Gas Prices 
US Reaffirms Taiwan Arms Sales Policy Despite Trump’s Comments on China 
U.S. Eases Iran Team Travel Restrictions Ahead of Seattle World Cup Match 
US Senate Approves War Powers Resolution Urging Trump to End Iran Military Action 
U.S. President Donald Trump took center stage at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, hosting the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors for the first time and signaling his deepening influence over the renowned cultural institution. The ceremony, considered one of America’s highest recognitions for lifetime achievement in the performing arts, celebrated a star-studded lineup including Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Michael Crawford, and legendary rock band KISS.
Trump, who played a role in selecting this year’s honorees, avoided attending Kennedy Center events during his first term. In his second term, however, he has become heavily involved—dismissing the former president of the center, installing a new board that named him chair, and initiating sweeping renovations. His decision to preside over the awards marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has hosted the ceremony, traditionally led by entertainers or notable cultural figures.
Arriving with First Lady Melania Trump, he told reporters the Kennedy Center was “going to be brought back to life,” adding, “We are saving the Kennedy Center.” When asked whether the center might one day bear his name, Trump said the decision rested with the board he now leads.
Trump’s imprint extends beyond the arts complex. His administration recently approved the demolition of the White House East Wing to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, part of a broader effort to reshape historic federal properties.
The Kennedy Center’s new president, Ric Grenell—formerly Trump’s ambassador to Germany—is managing ongoing multimillion-dollar renovations and a revamped slate of events, though his tenure has stirred staff departures and concern within the arts community.
During an Oval Office ceremony on Saturday, Trump presented honorees with redesigned gold medallions featuring blue ribbons, replacing the center’s long-used rainbow-colored ribbons. He praised the artists as icons who helped define American music, film, and theater.
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors will air on CBS on December 23.
