For decades, Washington’s cultural institutions have operated like exclusive clubs, where political elites gather to celebrate themselves while everyday Americans watch from the outside. The Kennedy Center Honors, with its black-tie formality and carefully choreographed tributes, has long epitomized this divide between the establishment and the people they claim to represent.
This weekend, something unprecedented happened at this bastion of high culture. For the first time in the event’s 48-year history, a sitting president didn’t just attend or skip the ceremony – he actually hosted it. And in typical fashion, President Trump couldn’t resist poking fun at the whole affair.
From ‘Breitbart’:
“Mr. President, now we know that you’ve hosted before, The Apprentice, for many years, could you imagine next year, maybe you not hosting but maybe receiving a Kennedy Center Honor?” a reporter asked Trump.
“That’s an interesting one,” Trump said. “Yeah, I think I’m going to nominate myself for next year.”
🚨 LMAO! Funniest president ever 😂
“Could you imagine receiving a Kennedy Center honor next year?”
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yeah! I think I'm going to nominate myself for next year! 🔥pic.twitter.com/ilPfBt6GeZ
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 7, 2025
The crowd erupted in laughter. (You know the liberal critics were forcing those smiles through gritted teeth.) But here’s the thing – Trump’s joke carried more weight than just a throwaway line. Here was the President of the United States, standing in one of Washington’s most prestigious venues, essentially mocking the self-importance of the very institution he was hosting. It’s the kind of moment that makes establishment types squirm and ordinary Americans chuckle.
Watch the liberal media spin this into “Trump’s narcissistic meltdown” by Monday morning. You can already hear the CNN panels assembling to discuss the “dangerous precedent” of presidential humor.
A President Who Breaks the Mold
Trump approached his hosting duties with characteristic nonchalance. When asked how he prepared for the role, he admitted he might not have prepared at all. “Maybe you want to be a little bit loose,” he explained, invoking the great entertainers of the past. “If you look at the great hosts Johnny Carson, Bob Hope, those of the greats…”
Then came the kicker that only Trump would deliver: “You look at the not so greats like Jimmy Kimmel, he was just terrible.” No focus groups, no carefully vetted statements. Just Trump being Trump, delivering the zingers we all wish we could say to Kimmel’s face. (Let’s be honest – when was the last time Kimmel made anyone laugh without a political punchline?)
“I’m going to try to act like Johnny Carson,” the president announced from the stage, acknowledging the historic nature of his role. The comparison wasn’t accidental. Carson represented an era when entertainers understood their job was to entertain everyone, not lecture half the country about their supposed moral failings.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick captured the moment perfectly: “Imagine the president of the United States being the emcee.” Even Kelsey Grammer – remember him from “Frasier”? – had to admire Trump’s natural ability: “He’s got a great ability to just keep talking. It amazes me. It’s exhausting,” Grammer said with a smile.
Taking on the Cultural Elite
Trump’s transformation of the Kennedy Center started months before Sunday night. Since taking office again this year, he overhauled the institution he said had become too “woke,” removing several board members and installing himself as chairman. The same Washington aristocracy who clutched their pearls over these changes now had to watch him command their stage.
The commander-in-chief couldn’t resist highlighting the contrast with his predecessor. “They tried getting [former President Biden] to do this, four years in a row they tried getting him [to host.]” Biden’s response? “I don’t think so.” Trump added with that trademark grin, “It would’ve been very interesting. I would’ve watched.”
Translation: Biden couldn’t handle three hours without a teleprompter. We all know it.
Real American Icons
At evening’s end, the president declared it “the greatest evening in the history” of the Kennedy Center Honors. He closed with “God bless the Kennedy Center and God bless the United States of America.” The event airs on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23rd – mark your calendars to watch establishment media try to edit out the fun parts.
In an era of scripted politicians and focus-grouped statements, Americans finally have a president who says what he thinks – and makes them laugh while doing it. The Democrats can flip out all they want. The rest of us are too busy enjoying the show.
Key Takeaways
- Trump became the first president to host Kennedy Center Honors – and immediately joked about nominating himself
- The president called out Jimmy Kimmel as “terrible” while praising legends like Johnny Carson
- Biden refused to host for four years straight, while Trump transformed the event
- Media critics are already preparing their pearl-clutching responses to Trump’s refreshing honesty
