Related Article: Tom Cruise's Reason For Declining Trump's Kennedy Center Award Revealed - theblast.com - Friday, August 15, 2025, 11:57:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Target: Kennedy Center Board of Trustees and United States Congress
Goal: We call on the Kennedy Center Board and the U.S. Congress to restore the independence of the Kennedy Center Honors, remove political appointees from the selection process, and ensure that artists are recognized based on merit, not political allegiance.
The Kennedy Center Honors has long stood as a beacon for artistic excellence, celebrating creators from all walks of life. However, recent revelations show that the institution has been seized by political interests, with board appointments and award selections heavily influenced by partisan agendas. This not only diminishes the value of the awards, but also silences marginalized voices and discourages artists from participating in public life.
Art should transcend politics. When politicians dictate who is worthy of recognition, we lose the diversity, creativity, and critical perspectives that make our culture vibrant. The recent case of Tom Cruise declining an award offered under these circumstances highlights the discomfort and reputational risk artists now face.
We demand immediate action to restore the Kennedy Center's independence and safeguard the integrity of American arts and culture. The future of our creative community depends on it.