Tom Cruise, the 63-year-old star of the Mission: Impossible series, reportedly declined a Kennedy Centre Lifetime Achievement Award from U.S. President Donald Trump, citing “scheduling conflicts,” as reported by Daily Mail UK.
Sources at the Kennedy Centre confirmed that Trump was personally involved in selecting Cruise for the award. Cruise typically avoids political engagement and focuses his advocacy efforts on military issues, veterans, and Scientology.
In a departure from tradition, Trump personally announced the 2025 honorees at the Kennedy Centre’s Hall of Nations, bypassing the usual press release. The honorees included Sylvester Stallone, KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, and George Strait. Trump praised Stallone for his iconic roles in “Rambo” and “Rocky,” highlighted Crawford’s performance in “Phantom of the Opera,” and celebrated Gaynor’s hit song, “I Will Survive.” Additionally, he criticised what he referred to as “woke” award shows, like the Oscars, for their declining ratings.
A-list actor turns down Trump's Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Award https://t.co/5fpxsg4xO1
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) August 15, 2025Since starting his second term, Trump has taken control of the Kennedy Centre. He appointed himself chairman and added 14 new board members. He plans to host the upcoming ceremony a change from his first term when he skipped the event.
Jokingly, Trump suggested he might even receive an award himself, calling it one of the “most prestigious” honours in show business. This year’s honoree list excludes figures from dance, jazz, and classical music. The omission breaks a long-standing tradition.
Cruise’s decision to decline the honour and Trump’s choices for the awards have sparked a debate on social media. Cruise’s decision to stay out of Trump’s circle makes sense.” The shift in honorees and Trump’s involvement raise questions about the politicisation of cultural awards, which could potentially affect the Kennedy Centre’s legacy. Additionally, Stallone’s support for Trump adds a political dimension to the selections.
