KISS bandmembers Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons once called President Donald Trump "abhorrent" and "out for himself." Now, the legendary rock band is being honored by him at the Kennedy Center.

KISS – Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley – are the sixth rock band to receive the Kennedy Center Honors as a group. In 2008, The Who became the first rock band to be honored. They were followed by Led Zeppelin (2012) Eagles, (2016), U2 (2022) and Grateful Dead (2024).

President Trump announced on Wednesday the Kennedy Center honorees: George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor and the rock band KISS. The awards ceremony will be held in December.