U.S.-EU Tensions Rise After $140 Million Fine on Elon Musk’s X Platform 
Trump Signs Executive Order to Strengthen U.S. Food Supply Chain Security 
Cuba Quietly Signals Openness to Post-Maduro Venezuela as U.S. Pressure Intensifies 
Southwest Airlines Has $11 Million Fine Waived as USDOT Cites Operational Improvements 
U.S. Appeals Court Rules Trump Can Remove Members of Key Federal Labor Boards 
Benin Thwarts Coup Attempt as President Talon Vows Accountability 
Australia Imposes Sanctions on Taliban Officials Over Human Rights Abuses 
Qatari PM Says Gaza Truce Negotiations Reach “Critical Moment” as Mediators Push for Lasting Ceasefire 
Honduras Awaits Crucial Election Results as Public Frustration Grows 
Syria Marks First Anniversary of Assad’s Overthrow Amid Ongoing Challenges 
Japan–China Tensions Rise as Chinese Carrier Intensifies Air Operations Near Okinawa 
Zelenskiy Describes “Substantive” Call With Trump Envoys as Ukraine, U.S. Explore Peace Path 
Hong Kong Election Sees Low Turnout Amid Public Anger After Deadly Fire 
Trump Backs Review of U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule After Hepatitis B Policy Change 
Zelenskiy Calls Talks With U.S. Envoys “Constructive but Difficult” as Ukraine Pushes for Peace Plan 
Trump Signals He May Influence Netflix–Warner Bros Merger Decision 
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.
