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.

Trump on Wednesday unveiled the five honorees: disco legend Gloria Gaynor, country singer George Strait, the rock band Kiss, “Rocky” actor Sylvester Stallone and actor-singer Michael Crawford. According to The Associated Press, Trump said he had no interest in hosting the annual event — but is doing so after being invited.