Actor Tom Cruise was offered the honors but declined because of scheduling conflicts, according to several current and former Kennedy Center employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss event plans. A spokesperson for Cruise declined to comment.

Tom Cruise reportedly turned down an invitation from the president to be among the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees. According to The Washington Post, the Top Gun: Maverick actor cited “scheduling conflicts” for bowing out.

Tom Cruise reportedly declined an invitation to receive a Kennedy Center Honor from President Donald Trump. However, the 'Mission: Impossible' star is set to receive an honorary Oscar later this year.