America's Leading Cultural Award...
Reason for Refusal Not Disclosed
Trump Criticized for Using Honors to Exclude Progressive Voices
Hollywood star Tom Cruise, 63, has reportedly declined an offer to receive the Kennedy Center Honors from U.S. President Donald Trump. Cruise's representatives did not issue a separate statement regarding the reason for his refusal.
According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 17th, President Trump personally announced the recipients of the 48th Kennedy Center Honors at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on the 13th (local time).
The Kennedy Center Honors, established in 1978, is one of America's most prestigious cultural and artistic awards. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts selects and honors individuals each year who have made lifelong contributions to the American arts scene.
This year's recipients include American hard rock band KISS, Broadway actor Michael Crawford, country music legend George Strait, actor Sylvester Stallone, and disco musician Gloria Gaynor. Current and former Kennedy Center officials stated that Cruise was also offered the award but declined.
Cruise recently appeared in the film "Mission: Impossible 8" and was selected as an Academy Honorary Award recipient this past June. He has not made any public comments regarding his decision to decline the Kennedy Center Honors.
During the announcement, President Trump joked, "I've always wanted to receive this award, but I never have. So I decided to become the chair myself and present the awards. Next year, I'll give the award to Trump," drawing laughter from the audience.
He added, "I was involved in 98% of this year's selections. I eliminated any candidates I didn't like. This time, there are no wokesters-only truly outstanding individuals remain."
Earlier this year, shortly after regaining office, President Trump dismissed progressive members from the Kennedy Center board and appointed himself as chair. As a result, there have been criticisms that the Kennedy Center is being used as a stage for the Trump administration's cultural policies, particularly its efforts to exclude progressive elements-a so-called 'culture war.'
However, WP noted that some of this year's recipients have previously criticized President Trump. For example, KISS bassist Gene Simmons, who once supported President Trump, mentioned in a 2022 interview that "he polarized the country."
The 48th Kennedy Center Honors ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 7, with President Trump expected to personally present the awards.
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