Founding members of KISS, who have previously called the MAGA leader “abhorrent,” expressed gratitude for the prestigious recognition.

Years later, however, in May 2022, Simmons seemingly likened Trump's camp to "cockroaches" and said he was "out for himself" when speaking to SPIN. "Look what that gentleman [Trump] did to this country and the polarization — got all the cockroaches to rise to the top," the singer said at the time.

Donald Trump is set to honor Gene Simmons, the bassist and co-lead singer of the renowned hard rock band Kiss, at a ceremony hosted by the president.