News - Kennedy Center Honors Experience Ratings Drop with Trump as Host

In what could be seen as a significant setback for President Trump’s foray into event hosting, the Kennedy Center Honors aired to their smallest recorded audience on CBS, with a mere 2.65 million viewers tuning in. This marks a precipitous 35% decline from the previous year, which attracted 4.1 million viewers. Many factors contributed to this decline, but the most noticeable difference this year was Trump taking the helm as the show's host. It’s notable that traditionally, the President of the United States does not play a hosting role at such events, highlighting Trump's unique approach—though perhaps not translating effectively into higher viewership. The timing of the broadcast may not have helped matters. Airing on a Tuesday night just two days before Christmas, during a hectic holiday season, could mean prospective audiences were distracted by festive preparations. Additionally, the show being taped earlier on December 7th and only airing on December 23rd could have diminished excitement and immediacy. President Trump, known for his fixation on ratings and public reception, had previously boasted about the allure of his appearance, claiming vast interest from both the Kennedy Center board and the American populace. He even declared on social media that should his hosting be well-received, he might abandon his presidential duties to pursue a role as a full-time master of ceremonies. These latest Nielsen numbers suggest that such a career pivot is unlikely. The disappointing viewership figures imply that Trump's future will remain focused on political endeavors rather than taking center stage in the entertainment industry.