Former President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing attack on renowned actor Tom Hanks, labeling him "woke" and "destructive," following the abrupt cancellation of an award ceremony honoring Hanks at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The decision by West Point, to revoke the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award, intended to recognize Hanks' contributions to the national interest, has sparked significant controversy.
Trump, in a post on his social media platform, celebrated the cancellation, suggesting it was a shrewd move to prevent a "woke" recipient from receiving a prestigious American award. He further urged other award shows to reassess their standards, implying political bias in their selection processes. His comments reflect his ongoing criticism of what he perceives as a left-leaning Hollywood establishment.
The official explanation for the cancellation from West Point, provided by retired Col Mark Bieger in a message to faculty, was brief, citing a need to focus on the academy's core mission of training cadets. No direct connection was made between Hanks' planned honor and this purported need for refocused attention.
This lack of transparency has fueled speculation, particularly given Hanks' past endorsements of Democratic candidates, including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. However, Hanks' contributions to veterans' causes and his extensive portrayals of military personnel in acclaimed films like *Saving Private Ryan*, *Forrest Gump*, and *Captain Phillips*, seem to strongly contradict Trump's characterization. Hanks' record includes acting as the national spokesperson for the World War II Memorial and supporting Bob Dole's fundraising for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. He is also an honorary member of the US Army's Ranger Hall of Fame and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Trump's criticism, however, adds another layer to this complex situation. His history of expressing frustration with award shows, particularly regarding his own perceived lack of Emmy recognition for *The Apprentice*, provides a context for his vehement reaction. His comments highlight the increasingly polarized political climate and the extent to which even seemingly apolitical events can become entangled in partisan divisions.
The controversy surrounding the cancellation and Trump's subsequent remarks raises questions about the nature of patriotism, political polarization, and the appropriate role of political endorsements in recognizing individual achievement.
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Originally published at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/08/trump-tom-hanks-woke
