Gloria Gaynor, best known for her disco anthem “I Will Survive,” has been named a 2025 Kennedy Center Honoree, a designation announced by the Kennedy Center that has sparked backlash among some LGBTQ+ fans.
Trump, who plans to host the December 7 ceremony, teased renaming the venue the “Trump Kennedy Center,” raising concerns the event could turn into a political spectacle.
His White House even tagged Gaynor in a post touting the honor alongside rhetoric attacking migrants and human rights.
Questions quickly followed about Gaynor’s politics.
While the singer once described herself as “not a political person,” Federal Election Commission records show she’s recently donated nearly $22,000 to Republican candidates and groups, including Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Elise Stefanik, and Vivek Ramaswamy.
Gloria Gaynor was a gay icon in the 70s and 80s. She has turned her back on the very people who made her career explode and supported her for years. I hope they turn their backs on her. pic.twitter.com/yabrMJOpMF
— Kelly Kellwoohoo (@kellwoohoo) August 27, 2025
Here is the full list as detailed by MeidasTouch:
Mike Johnson – $2160.57
Kevin McCarthy – $356.15
The National Republican Senatorial Committee – $1190.53
Marsha Blackburn – $2041.50
Dave McCormick – $1223.05
Josh Hawley – $1242.28
Ted Cruz – $476.18
Marco Rubio – $114.10
Maria Elvira Salazar – $242.18
Mazi Pilip – $682.28
Elise Stefanik – $1173.05
Nick Begich – $847.76
Wesley Hunt – $868.00
Jim Jordan – $1173.05
Vivek Ramaswamy – $1219.14
Nikki Haley – $1123.05
Ben Carson – $235.00
Steve Garvey – $1023.05
Mayra Flores – $1123.05
Daniel Norber – $1115.04
Tayler Rahm – $1065.04
Service and Honor / Jake Ellzey – $827.52
New Journey PAC – $610.25
After the legalization of same-sex marriage, Gloria Gaynor donated $22K to the Republican Party. FUCK HER. https://t.co/GzLlRXzAOi
— greg (@mistergeezy) August 27, 2025