Tom Cruise has turned down an honor from President Donald Trump at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors. The annual event, set for December, celebrates lifetime achievements in the arts. This year’s honorees include Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, KISS, George Strait, and Michael Crawford.
Trump, now chairman of the Kennedy Center, personally selected the honorees and will host the ceremony for the first time. Cruise was reportedly invited but declined due to “scheduling conflicts.” His spokesperson offered no further details, though the actor is busy with new projects, including Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

Trump praised the chosen recipients as “incredibly talented” and called Strait “the king of country.” Gaynor expressed gratitude, saying, “I am beyond blessed and honored to be receiving this award.” She hopes it will inspire and unite people through her music.
With Trump promising a more glamorous, star-filled event, the Kennedy Center is seeing major changes. Whether or not Cruise’s absence affects the night, the ceremony is set to be one of the most talked-about in years.