Washington, D.C. — The actor Kelsey Grammer drew considerable attention on Saturday evening after offering an unusually enthusiastic endorsement of former President Donald J. Trump at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, a cultural event that has long aimed to maintain distance from overt political discourse.
Speaking ahead of the State Department dinner, Grammer described Mr. Trump as “one of the greatest presidents we’ve ever had,” calling him “extraordinary” and expressing support for the former leader’s continued political ambitions. “There are some things he still wants to get done, and I think that’s terrific,” he said.
The remarks came shortly after Mr. Trump hosted this year’s honorees at the White House, a group that included Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Michael Crawford, and the rock band KISS. In his address, Mr. Trump praised the artists as cultural “icons,” describing the 2025 class as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned collection of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled.”
While the Honors traditionally spotlight artistic achievement, Grammer’s comments quickly reverberated beyond the celebration. The intersection of politics and entertainment — a subject of growing national scrutiny — resurfaced, prompting renewed discussion about the role of public figures in shaping political narratives.
Grammer, who has previously expressed conservative views, is among a small number of Hollywood actors who openly support Mr. Trump. His comments drew a mix of approval and criticism online, reflecting the broader partisan tensions that continue to define American public life. Some supporters praised the actor for speaking candidly; detractors questioned the suitability of such remarks at an event meant to elevate cultural contributions rather than political allegiances.
Mr. Trump’s presence at the ceremony, combined with Grammer’s endorsement, underscored the enduring political influence of the former president — and the complexities that arise when art, culture and politics converge on the national stage.
