KISS has a chance to do the most rock’n’roll thing EVER to Donald Trump
King Donald Trump I–you know that’s how he views himself–not only wants to reshape American politics to his tastes, he also wants to be the ultimate arbiter of American culture. That includes completely revamping the Kennedy Centre Honors. Did you see the bonkers press conference? Let’s check in with Seth Meyers for some coverage.
This year’s honorees are Sly Stallone (a hardcore MAGA), George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford, and…KISS.
I have no problem with any of those folks, but let’s focus on KISS.
Let’s congratulate Paul, Gene, Ace and Peter for the announcement of being chosen for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors later this year! WOW. President Trump said KISS will be doing something special. That’s a big tease for all of us right? @kiss pic.twitter.com/4oPuSmjmUK
— Bruce Kulick (@brucekulick) August 13, 2025
But KISS isn’t exactly MAGA-friendly. Both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have made negative comments about President Yamtits. Yes, Simmons was supportive of Trump at first, but he’s soured on The Orange Menace since his handling of COVID and January 6, 2021, after which he called the J6 rioters “TERRORISTS” on social media.
“This is armed insurrection. The flames were fanned today & over time by the president & specific senators who CANNOT be allowed now to distance from or denounce what they have directly caused. Know their names. THIS is the result of their deception. Shame.”
I quote Gene from a 2022 interview with SPIN.
“I knew him before he entered politics. Look what that gentleman did to this country and the polarization — got all the cockroaches to rise to the top. Once upon a time, you were embarrassed to be publicly racist and out there with conspiracy theories. Now it’s all out in the open because he allowed it.
Kiss band member Gene Simmons: “Look what [Trump] did to this country and the polarization – got all the cockroaches to rise to the top. Once upon a time, you were embarrassed to be publicly racist and out there with conspiracy theories. Now it’s all out in the open because he… pic.twitter.com/2yKRjVilLS
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 13, 2025
“I don’t think he’s a Republican or a Democrat. He’s out for himself, any way you can get there. And in the last election, over 70 million people bought it hook, line and sinker.”
Simmons has also called Trump “A true danger to democracy” and “a mob boss.”
The most rock’n’roll thing KISS could do is tell Trump to stick everything up his ass. But I have my doubts. Since the announcement, Simmons said this: “KISS is the embodiment of the American dream. We are deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honor. From our earliest days, KISS has embodied the American ideal that all things are possible and that hard work pays off. The prestige of the Kennedy Center Honors cannot be overstated and I accept this on behalf of the long legacy of KISS and all of the band members who helped create our iconic band.”
Aw, crap.
