President Donald Trump has selected several famous stars to receive recognition at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, but Top Gun: Maverick star Tom Cruise won’t be one of them despite receiving an invitation.

Tom Cruise was reportedly invited to receive a Kennedy Center Honor, alongside Sylvester Stallone, rockers KISS and singer Gloria Gaynor. Trump, as the new chairman of the Kennedy Center, stated that he “turned down plenty” of candidates for the 2025 honours list because of their "woke" politics.

Tom Cruise has reportedly turned down the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors under President Donald Trump. Sources suggest Cruise’s decision stemmed from his desire to avoid political controversy and focus on his career.