Kiss Receives Honor From President Donald Trump

Just hours after Kiss was honored by U.S. President Donald Trump at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, longtime guitarist Tommy Thayer spoke with LindellTV’s Cara Castronuova about the experience. Thayer said that the event was a major highlight of the year for everyone involved. He felt proud to be part of a night that featured Kiss, George Strait, and other honorees.

“Well, [President Trump’s] got very good taste in music, obviously. We had a great event last night, the Kennedy Center Honors with Kiss, George Strait and many others. And it was really a highlight of all of our year, and it was just an honor and a pleasure to be here. Great show.”

Tommy Thayer Reflects on the Recognition

Thayer explained that he never imagined he would one day receive an award from a president. He described the moment as a major honor and reflected on Kiss’s 50-year career. He also praised Trump’s leadership and said the Kennedy Center is doing excellent work under the current administration.

When asked about Trump’s second term, Thayer said he believes the president is doing a strong job despite the difficulties and differing opinions that come with the role.

“No. It’s a big honor. Kiss has had a great storied career for 50 years, and we’re just honored to be here and be part of it. And President Trump has done a fantastic job. They’re doing great things at the Kennedy Center now. And it’s just an honor to be here. And he’s got good taste in music. No doubt.”

“I think he’s doing a fantastic job. I think that it’s a tough job in a lot of ways, [and] everybody’s got a lot of different points of view on things, but I think he does an excellent job.”

After Castronuova mentioned that music unites people of all political backgrounds, Thayer agreed:

“Well, that’s true. Music is the language of all people. And that’s the thing that was great about last night. It didn’t matter where you’re coming from. It was just a great party, a good time. Everybody had smiles on their faces and just enjoyed the night.”

Paul Stanley Reacts to the Honor

On the Kennedy Center Honors red carpet, Kiss frontman Paul Stanley spoke to Breitbart News about the recognition. Stanley said the experience felt surreal, especially for someone who grew up with very little.

He considered being in the White House and receiving recognition from the president to be something far beyond anything he imagined as a child. He stated that hard work creates opportunities and that achieving success is possible for anyone willing to put in the effort. Stanley felt humbled and grateful to share the moment with his wife.

“It’s an incredible honor. It’s surreal, and as a kid who grew up with nothing, the idea of being in the White House, the Oval Office, receiving accolades from the president, that’s beyond anything that I could have ever fathomed.

And that’s what makes America great — the fact that we can all achieve whatever we set out to do with hard work. Hard work makes anything possible… I’m humbled and grateful and blessed to share it with my wife.”

Gene Simmons Shares His Thoughts

Kiss bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons told Breitbart News that Trump’s gold-decorated Oval Office looks “terrific.” He compared it with previous administrations, saying:

“It used to be drab. I’ve been here through Mr. Clinton and Mr. Bush, and it used to be a pretty drab place. It’s coming alive. I think it’s great.”