FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Trump Administration Announces 2026 NEA Jazz Masters Program Honorees President Trump to Host Ceremony Personally, Selects Recipients for Prestigious Jazz Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Endowment for the Arts, under the direct oversight of President Donald J. Trump, today announced the 2026 class of NEA Jazz Masters, marking the first year of the program's new selection process. Following his successful restructuring of the Kennedy Center Honors, President Trump has personally chosen this year's recipients and will serve as host for the televised ceremony to reflect "the true greatness of American musical achievement."
"Jazz is America's music, and we're going to honor it like never before," President Trump stated at a Mar-a-Lago press conference. "I'll be hosting the show myself – nobody knows entertainment like I do. These are tremendous artists – really tremendous. Paul Anka, for instance, has sold millions and millions of records. 'My Way' – what a song! Sinatra made it famous, but Paul wrote it. That's the kind of winning we need to celebrate."
The 2026 NEA Jazz Masters honorees include:
Paul Anka – The legendary singer-songwriter, known for hits like "Diana" and writing "My Way," will be recognized for his contributions to American popular music. "Paul Anka is a class act," Trump noted. "He's performed at my properties many times. Fantastic golfer, too."
Kenny G – The best-selling instrumental musician of all time will be honored for bringing jazz to the masses. "Kenny G – now that's what I call smooth," Trump declared. "His soprano saxophone is like butter. Beautiful sound. I've had him perform at many of my events. The ratings are always huge."
Dave Koz – The smooth jazz saxophonist and radio personality will be recognized for his decades of musical excellence. "Dave Koz knows how to pack a room," the President noted. "Very professional, very classy operation."
Peter White – The English-American smooth jazz guitarist will be honored for his melodic contributions to contemporary jazz. "Peter White – tremendous musician. Plays guitar like you wouldn't believe. Very sophisticated sound."
Chris Botti – The trumpeter known for his jazz and pop crossover success will round out the honoree list. "Chris Botti is pure class," Trump stated. "That trumpet – it's like liquid gold. He's performed with all the greats."
When asked about the honorees' primary association with smooth jazz rather than traditional jazz forms, Trump responded, "Jazz, smooth jazz, pop – it's all American excellence. We're not going to get bogged down in categories when we're talking about winners. These artists have sold millions of records and filled concert halls around the world. That's success."
Trump confirmed he will personally host the ceremony, stating, "I hosted 'The Apprentice' for 14 seasons – massive ratings, by the way. I know how to put on a show. This will be the most-watched NEA Jazz Masters ceremony in history, believe me. We're going to make it entertaining, we're going to make it classy, and we're going to make it great."
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., with performances by "the best musicians money can buy." The President indicated that the event would be "unlike anything the NEA has ever produced – much classier, much more successful, and with a real host who knows television."
Several longtime jazz critics expressed surprise at both the selections and the hosting announcement, though White House Press Secretary noted that "President Trump believes in recognizing artists who have achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success – the American way – and who better to celebrate American excellence than America's President?"
The NEA Jazz Masters program, established in 1982, traditionally recognizes musicians who have made significant contributions to jazz music. This marks the first time the selection process has been directly overseen by a sitting President, and the first time a President will serve as master of ceremonies.
For more information, contact the White House Press Office, but please, do not call collect.
Note: This is a work of fiction created for entertainment purposes.
Jazz Video Guy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Trump Administration Announces 2026 NEA Jazz Masters Program Honorees
President Trump to Host Ceremony Personally, Selects Recipients for Prestigious Jazz Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Endowment for the Arts, under the direct oversight of President Donald J. Trump, today announced the 2026 class of NEA Jazz Masters, marking the first year of the program's new selection process. Following his successful restructuring of the Kennedy Center Honors, President Trump has personally chosen this year's recipients and will serve as host for the televised ceremony to reflect "the true greatness of American musical achievement."
"Jazz is America's music, and we're going to honor it like never before," President Trump stated at a Mar-a-Lago press conference. "I'll be hosting the show myself – nobody knows entertainment like I do. These are tremendous artists – really tremendous. Paul Anka, for instance, has sold millions and millions of records. 'My Way' – what a song! Sinatra made it famous, but Paul wrote it. That's the kind of winning we need to celebrate."
The 2026 NEA Jazz Masters honorees include:
Paul Anka – The legendary singer-songwriter, known for hits like "Diana" and writing "My Way," will be recognized for his contributions to American popular music. "Paul Anka is a class act," Trump noted. "He's performed at my properties many times. Fantastic golfer, too."
Kenny G – The best-selling instrumental musician of all time will be honored for bringing jazz to the masses. "Kenny G – now that's what I call smooth," Trump declared. "His soprano saxophone is like butter. Beautiful sound. I've had him perform at many of my events. The ratings are always huge."
Dave Koz – The smooth jazz saxophonist and radio personality will be recognized for his decades of musical excellence. "Dave Koz knows how to pack a room," the President noted. "Very professional, very classy operation."
Peter White – The English-American smooth jazz guitarist will be honored for his melodic contributions to contemporary jazz. "Peter White – tremendous musician. Plays guitar like you wouldn't believe. Very sophisticated sound."
Chris Botti – The trumpeter known for his jazz and pop crossover success will round out the honoree list. "Chris Botti is pure class," Trump stated. "That trumpet – it's like liquid gold. He's performed with all the greats."
When asked about the honorees' primary association with smooth jazz rather than traditional jazz forms, Trump responded, "Jazz, smooth jazz, pop – it's all American excellence. We're not going to get bogged down in categories when we're talking about winners. These artists have sold millions of records and filled concert halls around the world. That's success."
Trump confirmed he will personally host the ceremony, stating, "I hosted 'The Apprentice' for 14 seasons – massive ratings, by the way. I know how to put on a show. This will be the most-watched NEA Jazz Masters ceremony in history, believe me. We're going to make it entertaining, we're going to make it classy, and we're going to make it great."
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., with performances by "the best musicians money can buy." The President indicated that the event would be "unlike anything the NEA has ever produced – much classier, much more successful, and with a real host who knows television."
Several longtime jazz critics expressed surprise at both the selections and the hosting announcement, though White House Press Secretary noted that "President Trump believes in recognizing artists who have achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success – the American way – and who better to celebrate American excellence than America's President?"
The NEA Jazz Masters program, established in 1982, traditionally recognizes musicians who have made significant contributions to jazz music. This marks the first time the selection process has been directly overseen by a sitting President, and the first time a President will serve as master of ceremonies.
For more information, contact the White House Press Office, but please, do not call collect.
Note: This is a work of fiction created for entertainment purposes.
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