Donald Trump recently hosted a gathering of notable artists in the Oval Office to celebrate the Kennedy Center Honors. The event, meant to highlight camaraderie, instead sparked online discussions about apparent tension among attendees.
This year’s ceremony, influenced by Trump’s selections and leadership changes, featured celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, KISS, and Michael Crawford. Trump described the group as a “most accomplished and renowned class.”
Trump’s Interaction with Reporters Turns Event into a ‘Reality Show’
Close-up images of the honorees, along with Trump’s presentation, quickly spread online. Observers noted inconsistencies and highlighted a woman in a blue dress who seemed uncomfortable.
The woman, identified as Monique Frehley, daughter of the late KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, accepted the medal on her father’s behalf. Her uneasy expression during the interaction with Trump became a viral moment.
WATCH
Kennedy Center Chairman, President Donald J. Trump, presents our Tiffany & Co. designed Medals to the 48th Kennedy Center Honors class.
• Country music icon George Strait
• Rock band KISS (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley).… pic.twitter.com/X5bzEcaHbL— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) December 6, 2025
Monique’s expression sparked comments, with some viewers noting her discomfort. Her visible unease was interpreted as a reflection of the room’s atmosphere.
Speculation arose about why she seemed unsettled, with some suggesting awkward interactions during the medal presentation. Footage showed Trump placing the ribbon around her neck and briefly touching her arm, leading to various interpretations.
Monique maintained her composure despite the emotional challenge of accepting the award weeks after her father’s death on October 16. The New York Post reported that Ace Frehley’s unexpected passing at 74 was due to blunt trauma, with further details pending.
Ace had expressed excitement about the Kennedy Center honor, calling it “a dream come true” in an August interview with TMZ. Accepting the award so soon after his passing added emotional weight to the occasion.
This year’s ceremony occurred amid controversy surrounding Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center’s leadership, which drew criticism from artists and advocates. Guitarist Yasmin Williams publicly denounced the changes during a Millennium Stage performance, describing them as a “hostile takeover.”
The Kennedy Center disputed her claims, but the incident highlighted growing tensions over Trump’s influence. Late-night television hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, mocked Trump’s leadership, citing declining ticket sales as evidence of his negative impact.
Ultimately, Trump’s attempt to showcase cultural leadership was overshadowed by the public’s focus on Monique’s expression, which came to symbolize broader dissatisfaction and unease.
