Trump names KISS, Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone among Kennedy Center honourees

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors following his controversial takeover of the Washington D.C. cultural centre.

Rock legends KISS, disco pioneer Gloria Gaynor and country singer George Strait were named among the musical honourees. Also receiving the award were Rocky star Sylvester Stallone and The Phantom of the Opera actor Michael Crawford.

The Kennedy Center Honors are one of the U.S.'s highest awards in the arts, given annually to five individuals for their lifetime contributions to American culture. Honourees receive their awards at a celebratory gala in early December. In a turn of events, Trump will host this year's ceremony.

Trump spoke to reporters outside the Kennedy Center today.

"I did not insist, but I think it will be quite successful," said Trump about his involvement in the Honors, adding that he wanted to give himself an award but was "never able to get one."

In the early months of his presidency, Trump publicly criticised the Center's inclusion of LGBTQ+-related programmes. Declaring that he alone would decide what is allowed to be performed in the venue, Trump sacked every member of the Board of Trustees and crowned himself chairman.

"A few short months ago, I became chairman of the Kennedy Center," Trump said.

"We ended the woke political programming."

Numerous cancellations resulted from his takeover. Children's musical Finn was shut down for including coming-of-age themes and a Pride performance by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. was axed for involving the LGBTQ+ community. Many other performances, including hit musical Hamilton, pulled out of their own accord.

Trump said today that he personally selected each recipient of the Honors, to ensure none were what he called "wokesters."

"I would say I was about 98% involved," Trump said.

"I turned down plenty [of honourees]. They were too woke."

Trump particularly praised Stallone, who is outspoken in his support of the president. The actor is also one of Trump's "Hollywood ambassadors," along with Mel Gibson and Jon Voight, tasked with being the president's "eyes and ears" in the entertainment industry.

Strait, one of the best-selling country musicians in America, has rarely spoken about politics but has voiced his support of American law enforcement in the wake of racist police brutality in the country.

Despite Gaynor's 1978 classic 'I Will Survive' being embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, when asked about her gay fans, she said she wants to "lead them to Christ." She also has asserted that she is not a feminist and loves men.

Members of KISS have voiced a range of opinions on Trump. Guitarist Ace Frehley once said Americans should either support Trump or "move to another country." Gene Simmons, a former competitor on Trump's Celebrity Apprentice, has now spoken out against Trump allowing Americans to be "publicly racist."

As a Brit, Crawford has not voiced his views on American politics, though Trump is known to be a fan of The Phantom of the Opera.