Trump's inspired Kennedy Center Honors picks spotlight liberals' own performance art
Yet the honorees are typically announced in that most artless of ways — a press release.
Not this year.
You'd think liberals who decry conservatives as contemptible Philistines would be pleased to see a Republican president focus the country's attention on the arts with something of a show itself.
But no — not when that president is Donald Trump. They slammed the selections too, though the list isn't much different from those under Democratic presidents such as Barack Obama — and reflects a wide swath of what Americans appreciate and admire in the arts.
Of course, the small spectacle Trump held Wednesday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts wasn't exactly establishment Washington.
The president walked to a podium in front of five pictures on easels, all covered with red cloth. Two attractive women in sleeveless dresses and high heels assisted — distinctly reminiscent of ring girls in boxing and Trump's beloved UFC — dramatically unveiling each honoree on cue.
'Rocky' creator-star Sylvester Stallone, glam-metal rockers KISS, country king George Strait, disco goddess Gloria Gaynor and Broadway luminary Michael Crawford will receive the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors. Trump himself — also the center's chairman — will host the gala tribute Dec. 7, which CBS will air later that month.
DC doesn't have a lot of glitz, so the December weekend honorees and those paying tribute to them spend in town is a big deal. I know because I covered the cocktail parties, the rehearsals, the red carpets and more for years when I lived in Washington.
And the political and performing elite can't stand the idea of Donald Trump taking part in the ritzy rituals.
Trump didn't attend a single Honors gala in his first term after 2017 honoree 'All in the Family' creator Norman Lear said he'd skip any White House event to protest the president. But Trump 2.0 is bolder and brasher — and wants to make real his 'vision for a Golden Age in arts and culture,' as he put it.
The media fawned over First Lady Michelle Obama's White House Kitchen Garden. They published deep think pieces about her husband's summer playlists. But the same people who believe right-wingers want to cut all cultural education are annoyed when a GOP president spends an hour talking about great artists.
'You might be wondering why you haven't heard much about important issues like inflation, health care or infrastructure lately, but there's a very good reason: Donald Trump doesn't care,' late-night talker Seth Meyers said. Conservatives 'want to go on Fox News and whine about woke,' he continued. 'This is what the right really cares about. This is why Trump is spending his precious time announcing the Kennedy Center Honors.'
Cue the subtle — and not-so-subtle — digs about the choices.
'The line-up explains a lot about him, his power and why he's president,' CNN's Stephen Collinson intoned. It's 'more populist than 'high' culture.'
'At the Kennedy Center, Trump Puts His Pop Culture Obsession on Display,' The New York Times headlined its story.
Time Senior Correspondent Philip Elliott declared, 'The Kennedy Center Honors Is Now Just Another Trump Show,' and likened the Florida man to Stalin, who made the genius Shostakovich's life a living nightmare.
This year's choices, Elliott wrote, 'signal yet the latest example of Trump putting his thumb on the scale of American culture and tossing it back to yesteryear.'
Who's going to tell the storied Time the Kennedy Center Honors are lifetime-achievement awards whose winners always send us 'back to yesteryear'?
Liberals howling this isn't the highfalutin' list it should be forget the first awardees under Obama included Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro and Mel 'Blazing Saddles' Brooks. LL Cool J won in 2017. Trump's is not a way-out-there list. It's true one spot usually goes to classical music or dance, and I'm disappointed that's missing — though to Trump, Michael Crawford is operatic. And he did originate the title role of 'The Phantom of the Opera,' which Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote for his then-wife, classical soprano Sarah Brightman.
KISS is an inspired choice — a great American story. Two Jewish New York kids whose families had fled the Holocaust, Stanley Bert Eisen and Chaim Witz, transformed themselves into the makeup-laden, otherworldly Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. And in doing so, they transformed concert touring itself.
Texan George Strait helped bring back a very American genre as a trailblazer in neotraditional country in the 1980s, when pop crossovers were stealing stages in Nashville and beyond. Now young country-not-crossover stars such as Zach Top and Parker McCollum cite his influence. As a Strait fan from Alberta, the Texas of Canada, told me, 'People like him because he's real. He's not fake ass. And he can actually sing.'
Authenticity — it reminds me of my time covering the Honors. At the various events, the rest of the press wanted to talk only to the cool kids. At the cocktail party the year Steve Martin won, for example, their sights were set on well-known actors. That let me have Ricky Jay, Steve Martin's friend who appeared with him in the David Mamet film 'The Spanish Prisoner,' all to myself. He was one of the greatest magicians of our time, a learned man with an amazing medieval collection.
Another year, it was just me and an AP reporter left on the red carpet for Chris Cornell, there to perform for The Who — the super famous stars had walked it already. The AP fellow knew nothing about him, so I was able to ask all of the questions of one of rock's greatest voices.
Speaking of David Mamet, can Trump turn his attention to Mark Twain Prize for American Humor next? The Kennedy Center refuses to give it to politically incorrect geniuses like him and Woody Allen. Washington could certainly use some intelligent laughs these days.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
8 minutes ago
- Newsweek
National Guard in DC May End Up Carrying Weapons—Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., have been told they should prepare to carry weapons in the nation's capital despite previous assurances from officials that the troops would not be armed, according to a Saturday report by The Wall Street Journal. When reached for comment, the D.C. Army National Guard told Newsweek that "Guard members may be armed consistent with their mission and training." Newsweek reached out to the White House by email outside of normal business hours on Saturday afternoon for comment. The Pentagon directed Newsweek to speak with the Washington Guard when reached by email for comment. Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's office told Newsweek it had no comment at this time. Why It Matters President Donald Trump ordered 800 National Guard troops to deploy to Washington, with the troops arriving on Tuesday. The deployment aims to combat crime in the city, even as crime rates have reached a 30-year low, marking one of the most aggressive federal interventions in local law enforcement in recent history. The deployment has prompted strong backlash due to the fact the administration bypassed the city's elected leaders, who have variously described Trump's directive as "unsettling," "unprecedented" and "dangerous." Washington officials sued the administration to block the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which prompted U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to issue a memo that leaves the current police chief in charge of the department but also directs the police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, the Associated Press reported. Anti-Trump protesters demonstrate near U.S. National Guard members at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on August 15. Anti-Trump protesters demonstrate near U.S. National Guard members at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on August 15. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Administration officials had previously said the National Guard would not carry weapons, and troops who have already made the rounds on patrol around the city have done so without carrying them. The Journal, citing people familiar with the plan, reported on Saturday that those troops were told on Friday evening they should expect an order to carry weapons. As of Saturday afternoon, no formal order had been issued. A White House official told the Journal that additional troops may be called to D.C., and they may be armed, but they would not be making any arrests. The Army had stressed the lack of weapons in a press release issued Thursday, writing that the troops were deployed to "provide a visible presence in key public areas, serving as a visible crime deterrent." "They will not arrest, search, or direct law enforcement," the Army wrote. "While they will not conduct arrests, they have the authority to temporarily detain individuals to prevent imminent harm, ensuring that custody is promptly transferred to law enforcement authorities." Most notably, the Army wrote that the troops would be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), including body armor, and that "weapons are available if needed but will remain in the armory," while noting that "future requirements will be assessed and determined based on the evolving needs of the supported law enforcement agencies." The shifting framework highlights the tension in the capital and the unease between the administration and local officials. Bondi in her Friday notice wrote of the responses from Washington officials, saying that "unfortunately, the D.C. Attorney General continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety in Washington, D.C.," in contrast to Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, "who is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents, workers, and visitors in Washington, D.C." What People Are Saying Captain Tinashe T. Machona, a spokesperson for the D.C. Army National Guard, told Newsweek in an email statement: "Guard members may be armed consistent with their mission and training. Their presence is focused on supporting civil authorities and ensuring the safety of the community they serve. The DC National Guard remains committed to assisting the District of Columbia and serving its residents and visitors whenever called upon." U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Friday wrote on X: "I have just issued a new directive to Mayor Bowser requiring MPD to provide the services found necessary by my designee, DEA Administrator Terry Cole, to comply fully and completely with federal immigration law and authorities, regardless of any policies MPD might otherwise have." "Unfortunately, the D.C. Attorney General continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety in Washington, DC. It is important to note that this same D.C. Attorney General is responsible for failing to enforce consequences for dangerous juvenile offenders," Bondi wrote. "We remain committed to working closely with Mayor Bowser, who is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents, workers, and visitors in Washington, D.C." D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in an open letter to city residents this week, in part: "...Over the course of a week, the surge in federal law enforcement across D.C. has created waves of anxiety. I was born one year after Home Rule became law, and while our autonomy has been challenged before, our limited self-government has never faced the type of test we are facing right now. My jobs are many right now. Part of my job is just managing us through this crisis and making sure that our government continues to operate in a way that makes DC residents proud." ...In fact, this evening, I am pleased to be able to report that, after a day in court and in accordance with Home rule, Pamela Smith remains our Chief of Police, and command and control of our 3,100 men and women at the Metropolitan Police Department. I am incredibly proud of how the chief has handled this experience." She concluded: "...I know that if we keep sticking together, we will make it to the other side of this, we will make future generations of Washingtonians proud, we will show the entire nation what it looks like to fight for American democracy—even when we don't have full access to it."
CNBC
8 minutes ago
- CNBC
West Virginia governor deploys hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday that he is deploying members of the West Virginia National Guard to Washington, D.C., in support of the Trump administration's efforts to ramp up a military presence in the nation's capital. Morrisey's office said that the National Guard mobilization will include 300-400 troops, plus "mission-essential equipment" and "specialized training." "West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation's capital," Morrisey, a Republican, said in a statement. "The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America." The statement also said Morrisey's decision to deploy his state's National Guard came after a request from the Trump administration and that the troops would be operating under the command of West Virginia's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Jim Seward. In a statement, a White House official confirmed that the national guardsman had been called to D.C., saying, "As part of President Trump's ongoing effort to make D.C. safe and beautiful, additional National Guard troops will be called in to Washington DC — the National Guard's role has not changed. The National Guard will protect federal assets, create a safe environment for law enforcement officials to carry out their duties when required, and provide a visible presence to deter crime." The governor's move comes just days after President Donald Trump announced that he was deploying 800 members of the National Guard to D.C. and directing federal law enforcement agents to assist local police with patrolling and executing warrants in the city. Trump's stated aim of cracking down on crime in Washington comes as crime rates in the city are at their lowest levels in decades. Washington residents almost immediately began to notice an increase in law enforcement on the streets, as local police and federal law enforcement set up checkpoints in neighborhoods across the city. Residents and tourists also noticed the increased presence of military and law enforcement around tourist-heavy areas like Union Station and the National Mall. Initially, Attorney General Pam Bondi sought to take over control of the Metropolitan Police Department, but backed down after the city sued the Trump administration. Chief Pamela Smith remains in day-to-day control of the city's police force. Democrats have slammed the president's decision, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling the move earlier this week "illegitimate" and an "unjustified power grab."
New York Times
8 minutes ago
- New York Times
Trump Backs Off Cease-Fire Demand in Ukraine War, Aligning With Putin
After their summit in Alaska, President Trump sided on Saturday with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, adopting Mr. Putin's preference for pursuing a sweeping peace agreement based on Ukraine's ceding unconquered territory to Russia instead of the urgent cease-fire Mr. Trump had said he wanted before the meeting. The change could give Russia an advantage in talks to end the fighting, which are due to continue on Monday when President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine visits the White House. It would also be a break from the strategy that Mr. Trump and European allies, as well as Mr. Zelensky, had agreed to before the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska, and it provoked a chilly reception in Europe, where leaders have time and again seen Mr. Trump reverse positions on Ukraine after speaking with Mr. Putin. Mr. Trump wrote on social media early on Saturday that he had spoken by phone to Mr. Zelensky and other European leaders after his meeting with Mr. Putin. 'It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up,' Mr. Trump posted. Mr. Trump told European leaders that he believed a rapid peace deal could be negotiated if Mr. Zelensky agreed to cede the rest of the eastern Donbas region to Russia, even those areas not occupied by Russian troops, according to two senior European officials briefed on the call. In return, Mr. Putin offered a cease-fire in the rest of Ukraine at current battle lines and a written promise not to attack Ukraine or any European country again, the senior officials said. Mr. Putin has broken similar promises before. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
