Tom Cruise declined a Kennedy Center lifetime achievement award offered under President Trump's administration due to scheduling conflicts. Trump, heavily involved in the selection process, boasted about rejecting "woke" honorees. This year's recipients include George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, KISS, Michael Crawford, and Sylvester Stallone. Despite Trump's claims, some honorees have previously voiced criticism of him.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.