Hollywood’s clash with President Donald Trump just got louder.
Mega-star Tom Cruise has reportedly turned down an offer from Trump himself to receive one of the nation’s most prestigious arts awards — the Kennedy Center Honor.
The Mission: Impossible icon, 63, was personally selected by Trump for the December ceremony, but insiders at the Kennedy Center told The Washington Post that Cruise declined due to “scheduling conflicts.” Neither Cruise’s representatives nor the Kennedy Center would comment to Fox News Digital, leaving speculation swirling over whether politics played a role.
Trump’s Handpicked, Star-Studded 2025 Honorees
President Trump — now chairman of the Kennedy Center — revealed this year’s honorees in what he calls a return to “class and celebration” instead of “political lectures.” The list includes:
- George Strait – Country music legend.
- Sylvester Stallone – Action movie icon.
- KISS – Rock Hall of Fame band.
- Michael Crawford – Acclaimed British actor.
- Gloria Gaynor – Disco queen behind I Will Survive.
“I am blessed to be recognized,” Gaynor said. “My hope is to inspire unity, empowerment, and hope through music.”
Trump’s Mission: Revive the Kennedy Center — and Reject the Woke Crowd
Trump made it clear he personally approved each honoree.
“I was about 98% involved,” he told reporters. “I turned down plenty — they were too woke. This is very different than before.”
He also used the moment to call out Hollywood’s declining awards shows, blasting the Oscars for pushing politics over entertainment.
“Look at the Academy Awards — lousy ratings, all they do is bash Trump. People don’t watch anymore.”
Trump has promised to restore the Kennedy Center’s prestige, with some insiders even suggesting a new name: The Trump–Kennedy Center.
The Bigger Picture: Trump vs. Hollywood
This isn’t just about Tom Cruise — it’s about Trump taking on Hollywood’s woke elite and re-centering American arts around tradition, patriotism, and genuine talent. For many Americans, it’s a refreshing change after years of politically charged awards shows.
Cruise Moves Forward with His Own Final Act
Meanwhile, Cruise is focused on Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning, his last outing as Ethan Hunt — a role he began in 1996 and reprised in seven sequels. “It’s the final,” Cruise told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s not called ‘final’ for nothing.”
