Tom Cruise Reportedly Declines Donald Trump’s 2025 Kennedy Center Honors Invitation

Scheduling conflict cited as Cruise skips Trump’s star-studded celebration, which honors Kiss, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Michael Crawford, and Sylvester Stallone amid sweeping changes at the Kennedy Center

Hollywood icon Tom Cruise has reportedly turned down an invitation to be among the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees during U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, citing a “scheduling conflict.” According to The Washington Post, several current and former Kennedy Center staff confirmed that the Mission: Impossible star, 63, was approached to be part of this year’s class of honorees but declined.

A spokesman for Cruise did not comment on the report, while Entertainment Weekly also reached out for confirmation.

Trump’s 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees Revealed

On Wednesday, President Trump announced the official lineup of this year’s honorees, celebrating their contributions to American arts and culture. The list includes legendary rock band Kiss, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, country icon George Strait, British actor and comedian Michael Crawford, and Rocky star Sylvester Stallone.

Trump further revealed that he will personally host the awards ceremony — a first — and pledged to renovate the Kennedy Center into what he called a “crown jewel” of American arts. The event, scheduled for December 7, will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

“We’re going to bring it to a higher level than it ever hit,” Trump said, adding that the revamped center will also play a major role in next year’s celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.

Leadership Shake-Up at the Kennedy Center

The announcement comes amid significant upheaval at the Kennedy Center. In February, Trump’s administration removed 18 trustees appointed by former President Joe Biden, as well as longtime president Deborah F. Rutter. The board now includes Trump allies such as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Vice President J.D. Vance’s wife, Usha Vance.

Trump himself installed as chairman and introduced measures granting him greater oversight over programming. He also appointed Richard Grenell, a close ally, as director. These moves sparked widespread resignations from prominent advisors including Shonda Rhimes and Renée Fleming.

Honorees React to the Recognition

Despite the controversy, this year’s honorees expressed gratitude. Paul Stanley of Kiss described the award as “the prestige of a lifetime,” while Gene Simmons added, “Kiss is the embodiment of the American dream.”

Simmons, who once competed on Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice, has offered mixed views on Trump over the years. While former bandmate Ace Frehley has voiced support for Trump, Stanley has been an outspoken critic, condemning Trump’s role in the January 6 Capitol Riots and calling his election fraud claims “abhorrent.”

Cruise’s Absence Noticed

Cruise’s decision to decline stands out, particularly as he continues to dominate the box office with his Mission: Impossible franchise. He recently appeared at the May 2025 premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in London, underscoring his busy global schedule.

The Kennedy Center Honors remain one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural recognitions, celebrating figures who have profoundly shaped American life. Past recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Tina Turner, Quincy Jones, Dolly Parton, and Francis Ford Coppola.

While Cruise won’t be part of this year’s ceremony, the glitzy night at the Kennedy Center promises a mix of artistic celebration and political spectacle — a defining reflection of Trump’s influence on American cultural institutions.