NEED TO KNOW
Donald Trump is making it clear that he supports the U.S. Military Academy’s decision to cancel an event where Tom Hanks was going to be honored.
The 69-year-old actor was set to receive the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award during a Sept. 25 ceremony at West Point. However, it was announced on Sept. 6 that the ceremony had been canceled.
It remains unclear whether Hanks will eventually receive the award in a different capacity, but Trump took to social media to celebrate the ceremony’s cancellation regardless.
Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg/Getty
“Our great West Point (getting greater all the time!) has smartly cancelled the Award Ceremony for actor Tom Hanks,” the president, 79, wrote on Truth Social on Monday, Sept. 8. “Important move! We don’t need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!!”
He continued, writing, “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!”
The Sylvanus Thayer Award is awarded annually to a citizen “whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in West Point’s motto: ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’ ”
The West Point Association noted that Hanks had been selected as this year’s honoree in a June statement.
“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,” West Point board chairman Robert A. McDonald said in the statement.
Hanks, who famously portrayed service members in Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump and other films, noted that the ceremony would have marked his first time visiting West Point. He described the opportunity as “simply astounding” at the time.
“West Point’s legacy of leadership, character, and service to the nation is a powerful example for all Americans,” the actor said. “To be recognized by an institution whose graduates have shaped our country’s history through selfless service is both humbling and meaningful.”
Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy
The Washington Post was the first to report that the ceremony had been canceled, citing an email that West Point faculty members received from retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, president and chief executive officer of the West Point Association of Graduates.
“This decision allows the Academy to continue its focus on its core mission of preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as officers in the world’s most lethal force, the United States Army,” Bieger wrote.
Trump lambasted Hanks days after announcing his plan to honor embattled former N.Y.C. Mayor Rudy Giuliani with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
The president has frequently lashed out at celebrities who have spoken out against him, recently including the likes of Taylor Swift, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel.
It’s also not the first time that he’s taken aim at awards ceremonies. In 2018, he took to Twitter to slam the Oscars, describing the ceremony as the “lowest rated.”
“Problem is, we don’t have Stars anymore – except your President (just kidding, of course)!” he continued. During the ceremony, Kimmel, who was hosting, made some jokes about the president.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Kimmel addressed more of Trump’s complaints live during the 2024 Oscars, another scrutinized ceremony that he hosted.
“I just got a review…” Kimmel said from the stage, proceeding to read Trump’s social media post: “Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars. His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and never can be.”
Trump continued, saying, “Get rid of Kimmel and perhaps replace him with another washed up, but cheap, ABC ‘talent,’ George Slopanopoulos. He would make everybody on stage look bigger, stronger, and more glamorous.”
The late-night host replied: “Well thank you, President Trump. Thank you for watching,” adding, “I’m surprised, isn’t it past your jail time?”
Hanks himself does not appear to have commented on the event being canceled.
