Trump hails West Point's move to cancel Tom Hanks award ceremony, calls him ‘destructive, woke’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump applauded the US Military Academy at West Point for canceling its planned award ceremony for actor Tom Hanks.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the decision a victory against what he described as “destructive, WOKE recipients,” and said the move showed the academy was “getting greater.”

Donald Trump calls West Point’s decision 'smart' step in fight against woke culture

President Trump celebrated the cancellation in his fiery online message.

“Our great West Point (getting greater all the time!) has smartly cancelled the Award Ceremony for actor Tom Hanks,” he wrote on Monday.

He called it an “important move,” and added, “We don’t need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!!” Trump also urged other institutions to follow the same path.

“Hopefully the Academy Awards, and other Fake Award Shows, will review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice,” he wrote.

He ended the post by declaring, “Watch their DEAD RATINGS SURGE!”

West Point cancels Tom Hanks ceremony honoring veterans' advocacy

The West Point Association of Graduates had planned to honor Tom Hanks with the Sylvanus Thayer Award on September 25.

The award recognizes citizens who did not attend West Point but embody the values of “Duty, Honor, Country.” A parade and ceremony were also scheduled.

The cancellation, as reported by The Washington Post, was communicated by retired Army Col Mark Bieger, the association’s president and CEO.

In an email to faculty, Bieger wrote the alumni association “will not be holding the Thayer Award ceremony” as originally scheduled. He offered an apology but did not clarify whether the award was revoked or would be presented at another time.

Tom Hanks was previously praised for his service to veterans

The cancellation contrasted sharply with an earlier announcement in June, when the alumni group praised Tom Hanks for his dedication to veterans.

They highlighted his portrayals of service members in films such as 'Forrest Gump' and 'Saving Private Ryan'.

"Tom Hanks has done more for the positive portrayal of the American service member, more for the caring of the American veteran, their caregivers, and their family, and more for the American space program and all branches of government than many other Americans,” said Robert McDonald, the alumni association’s board chairman and former secretary of veterans affairs.

Internet reacts to Donald Trump's celebration of Tom Hanks' award cancellation

The decision, paired with Trump’s celebratory comments, drew mixed reactions online.

“President Trump is absolutely correct. Tom Hanks is not deserving of this award. He is a woke liberal,” one person wrote on X.

Another posted, “Proud or West Point for standing up to the left and this buffoon.”

Some reactions were more critical of Trump’s remarks. “Don’t worry guys! As the economy crumbles, we commit extrajudicial murders, and our trade partners ally with our enemies, Trump’s out here defending America from… checks notes… Tom Hanks,” wrote one user.

“He thinks this is all a reality show and that he is the shows host,” added another.

One more commented, “Rent-free, huh? Hanks ain’t saving your sinking ship, bud.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.