New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- Donald Trump, on Wednesday, announced the first group of Kennedy Center Honors nominees under his leadership as chairman of the center. The list includes country music legend George Strait, Rocky star Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor, rock band Kiss, and actor-singer Michael Crawford.

The POTUS also said that he would host the awards program. He further pledged to "fully renovate" the Kennedy Center's infrastructure, aiming to make it a "crown jewel" of American arts and culture.

"We're going to bring it to a higher level than it ever hit," he said, noting that the venue will be featured in next year's celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary.

Trump avoided the Kennedy Center Honors awards program ...