WASHINGTON DC – President Donald Trump this week celebrated West Point Military Academy’s abrupt cancellation of an award ceremony honoring Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks, marking the latest move in what critics describe as a systematic purge of perceived opponents within military institutions.
The prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award ceremony, scheduled for September 25, was scrapped over the weekend without public explanation from the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG), leaving the “Saving Private Ryan” star’s recognition in limbo.
“Our great West Point (getting greater all the time!) has smartly cancelled the Award Ceremony for actor Tom Hanks. Important move!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform Monday afternoon.
The president escalated his criticism, writing: “We don’t need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!!” — an apparent reference to Hanks’ well-documented Democratic political affiliations and criticism of Trump’s previous administration.
The 68-year-old actor was selected to receive West Point’s most prestigious civilian honor for his decades-long support of veterans and military causes. Hanks portrayed Army Captain John Miller in Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” and naval commander Ernest Krause in “Greyhound,” both acclaimed war films.
Beyond acting, Hanks executive produced three critically acclaimed World War II miniseries: “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific,” and “Masters of the Air.” He also served as national spokesperson for the World War II Memorial campaign and chaired the D-Day Museum capital campaign.
“To have my first ever visit to the Academy be to accept such an honor as the Thayer Award is simply astounding,” Hanks said when the award was announced, according to WPAOG statements.
The ceremony cancellation follows a series of Trump administration actions targeting military academies. In May, the Pentagon ordered military libraries to identify and sequester materials addressing diversity, anti-racism, and transgender issues.
Two months later, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy directed West Point to rescind a job offer to former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency chief Jen Easterly after criticism from conservative media figures.
The Thayer Award recognizes “an outstanding citizen of the United States whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in West Point’s motto: ‘Duty, Honor, Country,’” according to WPAOG criteria.
The alumni association has not responded to requests for comment regarding whether Hanks will still receive the award without the public ceremony.
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