Donald Trump and Sylvester Stallone Lead Star arrive at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors

The 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors is about to kick off… and the event is already feeling like president Donald Trump‘s presence – with POTUS turning heads on the red carpet.

The prez arrived at the event in a tuxedo Sunday in a classic tuxedo… bow tie around his neck and a serious expression on his face as he posed with First Lady Melania Trump.

Melania, ever a model, flawlessly pulled off her sleeveless black dress…a hint of a smile playing on her full lips. During the shoot, she planted her right hand firmly in her husband’s left hand.

Although President Trump is the host, he’s not the biggest draw of the evening…with stars like Sylvester Stallone, George Street And Michael Crawford actually received the prestigious award from the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.

The three living members of KISS — Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley And Peter Kris — received medals…less than two months after their longtime friend and bandmate Ace Frehley died after a fall in his recording studio.

Gloria Gaynor looked glamorous as always in a shiny gold and silver dress with a cape accessory… as she raised a hand to wave at the onlookers with a big smile on her face.

Although all the stars are here tonight, the actual show doesn’t air until December 23… so we’ll have to wait a while to see how President Trump fares in his hosting duties.

The president says he thinks he’s doing well… especially compared to his nemesis, Jimmy Kimmel – who he blasted again as he presented medals to the Kennedy Center honorees on Saturday.