WASHINGTON — Viewership for this year’s Kennedy Center awards hit a record low as President Donald Trump hosted the annual ceremony for the first time, sparking controversy over his takeover of the iconic arts institution.
According to Nielsen Live + Same Day Panel + Big Data, the 2025 broadcast on CBS averaged 3.01 million viewers, down 25% from last year’s 4.1 million and far below 2023’s 4.5 million. Industry outlets including Variety and The Hollywood Reporter cited the figures, marking a steep decline for one of the nation’s premier cultural events.
Trump Takes Center Stage
The 79-year-old Republican, who returned to the White House in January, became the first sitting US president to host the gala. Honorees included Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, rock band KISS, and country legend George Strait.
Trump has aggressively reshaped the Kennedy Center since January, branding it “too woke” and installing himself as chairman of a hand-picked board. Earlier this month, the center was controversially renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, prompting outrage from the Kennedy family and backlash from performers.
Shortly before the December 23 broadcast, Trump joked on his Truth Social platform:
“Tell me what you think of my ‘Master of Ceremony’ abilities. If really good, would you like me to leave the Presidency in order to make ‘hosting’ a full time job?”
Backlash From Artists
Several performers, including prominent jazz and dance groups, canceled shows in protest of the new name and board appointments. Richard Grenell, the Trump-appointed center president, criticized the cancellations on X, saying they reflected a “derangement syndrome” and blamed the previous leadership.
Ticket sales have also declined since Trump’s board assumed control, reflecting growing public skepticism. Critics argue that the former reality TV star’s involvement and branding have politicized a traditionally nonpartisan cultural institution.
Despite the controversy, Trump has insisted he took the role at the request of “just about everybody,” highlighting his focus on using high-profile platforms to boost visibility.
