Kennedy Center Announces New Honorees Amid Trump Legal Battle and Facility Closure
The Kennedy Center honors icons like Paul Anka and Barbara Mandrell as the ceremony moves due to an ongoing legal dispute with Donald Trump.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The prestigious Kennedy Center has unveiled its latest class of honorees even as the institution navigates a period of internal instability and legal conflict.
The upcoming recognition ceremony will celebrate singers Paul Anka and country star Barbara Mandrell, composer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia, and playwright David Mamet. The gala is scheduled to take place on December 7 at the Capital One Arena rather than at the center’s traditional home.
The venue shift for the event is a direct result of an ongoing lawsuit filed by Donald Trump, who is seeking to have his name incorporated into the building.
In September, the center’s board of trustees ordered a temporary closure of the public facility. Despite this shutdown, the organization confirmed that its annual tradition of celebrating Americans who have advanced the performing arts would proceed as planned.
In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Trump noted that the organization is recognizing artists whose careers have shaped national culture and inspired audiences. He expressed pride in honoring this year’s group and maintaining a legacy that has defined the Center for nearly 50 years.
The December event will focus on tribute performances dedicated to the five recipients. Paul Anka is widely recognized for writing the lyrics to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” though he also achieved numerous hits such as “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” and Put Your Head on My Shoulder.
Barbara Mandrell, who retired from the industry in 1997, is celebrated for hits like “I Was Country When Country was not Cool,” Sleeping Single in a Double Bed, and “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I do not Want to Be Right.”
David Mamet, a noted supporter of Trump, is the acclaimed writer behind the plays “Glengarry Glen Ross” and “American Buffalo.”
Andy Garcia, who Oscar-nominated for his work in The Godfather III and his breakout role in The Untouchables, will also be honored. David Foster is a 16-time Grammy winner who co-wrote tracks including “The Prayer,” “After the Love Has Gone,” and “I Have Nothing.”
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
