West Point Alumni Cancel Tom Hanks Award Ceremony Amid Trump Praise

President Donald Trump applauded the U.S. Military Academy at West Point's alumni association for canceling a planned award ceremony honoring actor Tom Hanks with the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award, criticizing Hanks as a "destructive, WOKE recipient." The award, given to outstanding citizens exemplifying West Point's ideals of "Duty, Honor, Country," was initially bestowed on Hanks for his positive portrayal of American service members and veteran advocacy. However, the alumni association's president, Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, stated the cancellation allows West Point to focus on its core mission of preparing military officers. Trump used the cancellation to call for other award shows, including the Academy Awards, to reconsider their standards, linking Hanks' recognition to "fake" awards and suggesting a decline in their ratings. Hanks has previously criticized Trump and supported causes the president opposes, which partly influenced the controversy. Despite the cancellation, West Point's board chairman highlighted Hanks' significant contributions to veteran care and American military representation in media.