Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors on December 8, 2025, turning the event into a confrontation with Jimmy Kimmel. He became the first president to emcee the event after altering the board’s composition to his advantage.
Trump’s Role at Kennedy Center Honors
Traditionally, U.S. presidents attend the Kennedy Center Honors, but Trump had previously skipped the event. His decision to host opens the event up to more personal political expression, particularly against liberal Hollywood.
During the lead-up, Trump claimed that he could outperform Kimmel, saying he would be unfit for the presidency if he couldn’t. Kimmel has never hosted the Honors but has been a frequent critic of Trump.
Feud Dynamics with Jimmy Kimmel
The feud reached a peak when Kimmel was temporarily suspended from his ABC show, which some viewed as a ploy by Disney-ABC to curry favor with Trump. Their mutual disdain has been well documented and played a significant role in Trump’s performance at the honors.
Trump’s remarks included jab at the audience, making statements like, “many of you are miserable, horrible people,” which showcased his distinctive style. These moments appeared crafted to outshine Kimmel and provide entertainment in the political arena.
Trump’s Cultural Aspirations
Although he holds the presidency, Trump seeks societal approval from cultural elites, which remains elusive. His actions illustrate a strategy to assert influence in spaces traditionally dominated by liberals.
This push represents a larger trend where right-leaning figures attempt to leverage governmental power to achieve cultural acceptance, contrasting the softer tactics typically seen from the left.
