Trump to take center stage at the Kennedy Center during a major weekend

WASHINGTON This Friday, the Kennedy Center, usually renowned for its theater, opera, and ballet, will transform into a hub of global sports as the matchups for next year's World Cup are unveiled. By Sunday, it will return to its usual role, hosting the annual awards ceremony that celebrates leading American artists.

At the center of both events is President Donald Trump. He played a key role in convincing FIFA President Gianni Infantino to move the World Cup draw from Las Vegas to the Kennedy Center. FIFA may also honor Trump with a new peace prize, though Infantino has not confirmed him as the recipient. The two leaders have maintained a notably close relationship, and Trump has openly pursued a Nobel Peace Prize.

Trump's involvement mirrors a traditional role once held by figures like Walter Cronkite, as he is set to host the Kennedy Center Honors. In August, Trump described his hosting duties as a reluctant acceptance prompted by his chief of staff, joking about being asked to take on the role as President.

The excitement surrounding these events is unusual for the Kennedy Center. In 1994, when the U.S. last hosted the World Cup, the draw was in Las Vegas, and President Bill Clinton did not attend. Typically, presidential participation in the Honors involves a brief appearance and a wave to honorees, but Trump's presence underscores his penchant for spectacle and performance.

The transformation of the Kennedy Center began early in Trump's second term. Within a month of returning to Washington, he replaced the leadership, filled the board with allies, and assumed the chairmanship. Trump and his team criticized the center's programming as woke and cited alleged financial mismanagement. Recent renovations, including painting columns white, reflect these changes. Former President Deborah Rutter refuted claims of financial issues, insisting the center was stable when she left.

The changes sparked significant backlash, including cancellations of performances like Hamilton and withdrawals by public figures such as Issa Rae, Louise Penny, Ben Folds, and Rene Fleming. Despite this, Kennedy Center officials say they are prioritizing broad, financially sound programming. President Richard Grenell emphasized common sense initiatives, while Democrats in Congress are examining potential revenue losses. Documents released by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse show that FIFA had exclusive access to the facility for nearly three weeks without cost, though the center reports receiving $7.4 million from FIFA and sponsorships.

The Kennedy Center has historically embodied bipartisan cooperation, originating from legislation passed under President Dwight Eisenhower with Democratic support. Supreme Court justices from opposing ideologies have attended performances together, and past honorees include both conservative and liberal artists. Typically, honorees are selected by a bipartisan commission, but Trump claimed significant personal involvement in 2025 selections. Some honorees, like Sylvester Stallone and Ace Frehley, have supported Trump, while others, such as Paul Stanley, have not.

This years World Cup draw will feature supermodel Heidi Klum, comedian Kevin Hart, actor Danny Ramirez, and performances by Andrea Bocelli, the Village People, Robbie Williams, and Nicole Scherzinger. Past draws, such as the one in Las Vegas, featured Vanessa Williams and James Brown.

The Kennedy Centers headline events arrive amid challenges for Washington. Trump has highlighted the citys crime, even as violent incidents have declined, and deployed the National Guard. Tourism projections for 2025 show a slight decline, but local officials hope high-profile events like the World Cup draw will improve the citys image. Elliott Ferguson, CEO of Destination DC, noted that these events could generate positive attention for Washington as a destination.

Author: Sophia Brooks