Trump Returns to TV as MC in Bow Tie Transformation

Hosting a Year-End Pop Culture Awards Ceremony

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

President Donald Trump of the United States has transformed into the host of a prestigious pop culture awards ceremony.

On the night of December 23 (local time), President Trump appeared before a nationwide audience as he partially hosted the "Trump-Kennedy Center Honors" awards ceremony, which was broadcast on CBS. The event, held on December 7 at the Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, was recorded and aired that day.

The venue, previously known as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts-a landmark theater in Washington, DC-was renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center on December 18. President Trump also serves as the chairman of the board at this venue. Wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie, President Trump took the stage and grabbed the microphone. Although it is customary for the President and First Lady to attend this annual December event, it is highly unusual for a sitting president to serve as the host.

Earlier, President Trump introduced his role as host in a preview post on the social media platform Truth Social, saying he took on the job "at the request of almost every American." He joked, "Watch how I do as the MC (Master of Ceremony). If I’m really good, would it be all right if I left the presidency to become a full-time host?"

This year’s honorees, recognized for their contributions to the development of the performing arts in the United States, are Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone, Broadway actor Michael Crawford, the American hard rock band Kiss, country music legend George Strait, and disco music 'legend' Gloria Gaynor-a total of five recipients. Originally, actor Tom Cruise was nominated for the 48th annual honors but reportedly declined due to 'scheduling issues.'

Among the honorees, Stallone-famous for the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' series-is known to have a close relationship with President Trump. In late 2016, just before the start of his first term, President Trump invited Stallone to a New Year's party.

Shortly after returning to office earlier this year, President Trump dismissed the progressive board members of the Kennedy Center and appointed himself as chairman of the board.

Subsequently, the Trump-appointed board unanimously voted to rename the center the Trump-Kennedy Center. This move sparked criticism that changing the center’s legally designated name without congressional approval was unlawful, and a lawsuit was filed by Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio.