Trump Honors 7 Celebs at the Kennedy Center – Viewers Can't Recognize One Legend & Speculate About Plastic Surgery

At the prestigious event on Saturday, December 8, the US President draped a new medal around each honoree's neck in recognition of their achievements.

President Trump presented the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees with their medals during a ceremony in the Oval Office. He posed for photos with the recipients, but one honoree's facial appearance quickly became a trending topic online, fueling speculation about possible cosmetic procedures.

This year's honorees include actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, the rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford. Trump described the group he helped select as "perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class" in history.

A widely shared photo of the honorees with the president drew particular attention to Stallone. He was dressed in a classic black tuxedo paired with his Kennedy Center medallion.

He stood tall and composed, holding a black cane as he faced the cameras with a calm smile. His signature silver hair was carefully styled, and his look was completed with a patriotic touch — a small American flag pin on his lapel.

However, social media users zeroed in on his face. They questioned whether he had undergone plastic surgery or other cosmetic alterations, and many shared their reactions across platforms. One person asked, "I mean…what has Stallone done to himself?" Another added their shock at the actor's look, "Stallone's face 😳."

Social media buzzed with disbelief, as one fan asked, "Is that Sylvester Stallone? Terrible plastic surgery. Looks awful." And another didn't hold back, commenting, "Yikes, Sylvester Stallone doesn't look very good. His plastic surgery has gone to hell, and so are his hair transplants."

On the red carpet, Stallone arrived alongside his wife, Jennifer Flavin, who turned heads in a strapless black gown accented with a shimmering silver-and-red bodice. The two stood closely together, exuding poise and togetherness as photographers captured them.

Additional full-length clips show Stallone moving steadily along the carpet with the help of his cane. This was a noticeable shift for an actor long associated with physical grit and action-heavy roles.

Even with this change, he maintained a bright demeanor and carried himself with pride as he marked one of the most significant recognitions of his nearly five-decade career.

Still, some fans expressed concern after noticing him walking with a stick. An interviewer later raised the issue, and he explained that multiple back surgeries over the years, eight in total and one ongoing, had taken a cumulative toll. Hence, he had to rely on the walking aid.

Aside from the photo the honorees took with Trump, the Kennedy Center also released an official portrait showing the group arranged together, with some standing and others seated. The accompanying message presented the image as the formal portrait of the 48th class of Kennedy Center Honorees.

Fans flooded the comments with excitement. One admirer cheered the group with an enthusiastic, "Icons!! Congrats to all!!!" Another viewer celebrated the moment with the upbeat message, "Great stuff well deserved." And someone else captured the mood of the night with a heartfelt note, writing, "Real role models to look up to. All is good in the world, for just one night.. 👏👏"

At the honorees' event, Trump described them as a group of "incredible people" who embody the "very best in American arts and culture." He noted that "I know most of them and I've been a fan of all of them," underscoring his personal admiration for this year's class.

The president added, "This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans."

The president then presented Stallone and the other honorees with a new medal, designed, crafted, and donated by jeweler Tiffany & Co., according to the Kennedy Center and Trump.

The medal features a gold disc etched on one side with the Kennedy Center's image and rainbow colors, while the reverse displays the honoree's name and the date of the ceremony. It is suspended from a navy blue ribbon.

The new medallion replaces the previous large rainbow ribbon adorned with three gold plates that traditionally rested on the honoree's shoulders and chest.

As he gave out the medals, Trump praised his friend Sylvester Stallone. He described him as a wonderful and spectacular individual, one of the true great movie stars, and a legendary figure in the film industry.

The president also offered strong praise for the other honorees. He described Crawford as a major Broadway talent known for his celebrated role in "The Phantom of the Opera." Gaynor was highlighted as a defining figure of the disco era, with recognition of her unmatched impact on the genre.

The rock band Kiss was acknowledged for its long-standing influence and status in American rock music. Music from both Gaynor and Kiss played in the Rose Garden as members of the White House press corps waited for the ceremony to begin.

The president also described the honorees as some of the most accomplished artists, actors, and performers of their generation. He highlighted their transformative impact across multiple fields.

Trump pointed out the influence of Strait on country music, Gaynor on American disco, Crawford on Broadway, Kiss on rock and roll, and the vision and contributions of Hollywood's leading figures. Each was recognized for shaping their respective industries.

Donald Trump also told the honorees, "Each of you has made an indelible mark on American life and together you have defined entire genres and set new standards for the performing arts."

Back in August, Trump noted that he had been heavily involved in selecting the 2025 honorees and personally presented the list at the Kennedy Center. This was the first time the announcement was made in person under his leadership. In previous years, the lineup had typically been revealed through a press release.

Furthermore, the selection process for this year's honorees was not publicly detailed. Previously, a bipartisan committee was responsible for choosing the recipients. Despite the change in process, the medal continues to carry significant honor and prestige.