Alright, culture vultures, get ready for a wild ride through the bizarre world of presidential arts patronage. Donald Trump has officially put his stamp on the Kennedy Center Honors, transforming the prestigious cultural celebration into what can only be described as a personal variety show.

A Star-Studded MAGA Lineup

In a press conference that was part reality TV, part political rally, Trump announced this year’s honorees: country music legend George Strait, action hero Sylvester Stallone, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, rock band Kiss, and Broadway star Michael Crawford. And because subtlety isn’t in his vocabulary, Trump declared he’ll personally host the awards ceremony.

The Art of the Political Deal

This isn’t just about entertainment - it’s about control. Trump has essentially hijacked the Kennedy Center, replacing the board with his loyalists and hinting at potentially renaming the venue to include his own name. Talk about ego expansion! He claims to be “98% involved” in selecting honorees, proudly rejecting anyone he considers “too woke”.

Hollywood Meets Politics

Some honorees have Trump connections. Stallone, a vocal supporter, has called Trump the “second George Washington,” while Kiss member Ace Frehley endorsed him in 2020. Others, like Paul Stanley, have been more critical of the former president’s election claims.

The Kennedy Center Honors, once a bipartisan celebration of artistic excellence, now feels like a Trump-branded variety show. Buckle up, culture lovers - this is going to be one wild ride.