Donald Trump recently launched a scathing attack on Tom Hanks, branding the beloved actor as “destructive” and “woke” after Hanks was unexpectedly snubbed by West Point. This incident occurred last week, leading to a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. On Monday, Trump took to his own social media site to express his approval of the US Military Academy alumni association's decision to cancel a ceremony that was set to honor Hanks.
In his post, Trump praised West Point, stating, “Our great West Point (getting greater all the time!) has smartly cancelled the Award Ceremony for actor Tom Hanks. Important move! We don’t need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!! Hopefully, the Academy Awards and other Fake Award Shows will review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice. Watch their DEAD RATINGS SURGE!” This fiery statement has drawn attention not only to Hanks but also to the broader conversation about wokeness in Hollywood.
Hanks was slated to receive the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award later this month, an honor recognizing his significant “service and accomplishments in the national interest.” However, the abrupt cancellation left many questioning the motives behind the decision. Retired Colonel Mark Bieger, in a message to faculty, indicated that the cancellation would help maintain the institution's focus on its core mission: “preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as officers in the world’s most lethal force, the United States Army.” Notably, he did not elaborate on how honoring Hanks conflicted with this mission.
Despite the controversy, Tom Hanks has a long-standing history of supporting veterans and military causes. He has previously endorsed prominent Democratic candidates, such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and has actively participated in various veterans' initiatives. Hanks served as the national spokesperson for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and lent his support to Bob Dole’s fundraising efforts for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. Furthermore, he has been honored as an honorary member of the US Army’s Ranger Hall of Fame and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
In addition to his advocacy work, Hanks is renowned for his portrayals of military characters in films. His most iconic roles include Captain John Miller in Saving Private Ryan, the Vietnam War soldier Forrest Gump (for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor), and Commander Ernie Krause in Greyhound, a film for which he also wrote the screenplay. He also played the title role in Captain Phillips and appeared in the Cold War film Bridge of Spies. His impressive body of work has made him one of the most decorated actors in the United States, accumulating seven Emmy Awards alongside five Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, of which he triumphed twice in consecutive years.
The recent controversy surrounding the cancellation of the award ceremony highlights the ongoing cultural debates in America, particularly regarding the intersection of politics and Hollywood. As reactions continue to unfold, the implications of such a high-profile snub remain to be seen, both for Hanks and for the broader landscape of entertainment and military recognition.
