00:00Singer Gloria Gaynor is now a Kennedy Center honoree, but her recognition drew attention after filings revealed she's donated thousands of dollars to Republican candidates and causes.
00:13I will say that I Will Survive is an unbelievable song.
00:20After being named a 2025 Kennedy Center honoree, Gaynor's inclusion drew mixed reactions.
00:27Critics pointed to her as a black woman honored by President Trump, while people like The View's Anna Navarro even urged her to turn it down.
00:35But new disclosures revealed by Midas Touch show Gaynor herself has donated nearly $22,000 to Republicans since 2023.
00:43Her checks have gone to Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Speaker Mike Johnson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee to name a few, leaving some fans feeling confused.
01:02Her 1978 hit is popular among many generations, long embraced by the LGBTQ plus community for its message of resilience.
01:11It's even celebrated at pride parades and on RuPaul's Drag Race.
01:18But in a 2007 interview with BBC, when asked if homosexuality was considered sinful, she replied,
01:25I want to lead them to Christ simply and whatever he has for them.
01:30Many interpreted these remarks as anti-LGBTQ plus.
01:34She later sought to clarify.
01:35I'm not against anybody.
01:37I just am a full believer that God knows and wants only what's best for each and every one of us.
01:46President Trump said he was 98 percent involved in this year's selections, and critics note most honorees have ties to him.
01:54Sylvester Stallone has been openly pro-Trump, recently appointed to a role as one of the president's eyes and ears in Hollywood,
02:01joining Jon Voight and Mel Gibson.
02:03George Strait has been quieter politically, but last year he was spotted on stage in Vegas, mimicking Trump's signature dance move.
02:12Members of the rock band KISS have previously criticized Trump.
02:16However, they told TMZ they were, quote, deeply honored for the recognition.
02:20Trump announced he will host this year's Kennedy Center Honors, airing in December on CBS.
02:25With Strait Arrow news, I'm Kennedy Felton.
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