By — Steven Sloan, Associated Press Steven Sloan, Associated Press By — Hillel Italie, Associated Press Hillel Italie, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/kennedy-center-names-2026-honorees-as-trump-renovation-battle-moves-show-offsite Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Kennedy Center names 2026 honorees as Trump renovation battle moves show offsite Arts Nov 2, 2026 1:11 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — The Kennedy Center said Monday that Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell would be recognized at this year's Kennedy Center Honors, which will be held away from the iconic performing arts venue for the first time as President Donald Trump battles with a federal court over his plans to renovate the building and add his name to it. All of the nominees have had substantial careers in their respective fields. Mamet is among the most acclaimed playwrights of his time, known for his hard-boiled dialogue in "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "American Buffalo" and other works. Mandrell is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame whose many hits include "Years" and "Sleeping Single…
Kennedy Center names 2026 honorees as Trump renovation battle moves show offsite
In short
The Kennedy Center revealed that Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, David Mamet, and Barbara Mandrell will receive this year’s honors. This selection includes figures with notable connections to Trump or conservative politics, including Anka, who previously adapted his hit song "My Way" with MAGA-themed lyrics. The ceremony will take place away from the iconic performing arts venue for the first time since the tradition began in 1978. Trump, serving as chairman through newly appointed loyalist board members, plans to continue the nearly 50-year-old tradition offsite.
Key points
- President Trump assumed leadership of the cultural institution after dismissing the previ…: President Trump assumed leadership of the cultural institution after dismissing the previous board and installing loyalists who named him chairman.
- The 2026 class includes honorees with personal or political ties to Trump, including long…: The 2026 class includes honorees with personal or political ties to Trump, including longtime friend Paul Anka.
- Moving the event away from the landmark venue marks a historic departure from the format…: Moving the event away from the landmark venue marks a historic departure from the format established in 1978.