President Donald Trump on Monday praised a decision by a West Point alumni group to cancel a planned ceremony honoring actor Tom Hanks, calling the move a rejection of what he described as "woke" recipients.
The West Point Association of Graduates had announced in June that it would present Hanks with the Sylvanus Thayer Award, which recognizes individuals who embody the academy’s motto of "Duty, Honor, Country." The alumni group's announcement highlighted Hanks's portrayals of military officers in films such as "Saving Private Ryan" and his work as a producer on projects including "Band of Brothers," "The Pacific," "Greyhound" and "Masters of the Air."
A West Point faculty email from retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, shared with staff Friday and reported by the Washington Post, said the academy would not host the planned award event so it could "focus on preparing future officers for their military service." The email did not say whether the Thayer Award itself had been formally revoked by the alumni association.
Trump posted on Truth Social Monday morning: "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!!!" He also urged that the Academy Awards and other ceremonies "review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice."
The move comes after controversy earlier this year over a Saturday Night Live sketch in which Hanks appeared as a White, Trump-supporting character who refused to shake hands with a Black man. Hanks, a longtime critic of Trump who has supported Democratic candidates and causes, has previously drawn scrutiny for his political comments.
Hanks has also served in official capacities. During the Biden administration he was a national spokesperson for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the alumni group cited his portrayals of military officers and production credits as reasons for the planned honor.
The sudden cancellation underscores tensions between the Republican White House and military institutions over perceived cultural and political issues. Since returning to office, Trump and other administration officials have repeatedly criticized what they call "woke" initiatives within the armed services. Under Pentagon leadership appointed by Trump, including adviser Pete Hegseth, the department has cut or scaled back several diversity programs and reversed a number of recent changes related to base names and other initiatives the administration described as ideological.
In recent months the White House also issued an executive order changing the department's official name from the Department of Defense to the Department of War, a move the president framed as pushing back against what he characterizes as overly political or ideological practices.
The West Point Association of Graduates did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday. The academy’s faculty email and the alumni group's earlier announcement mark the latest instance in which military-affiliated organizations have grappled with the political views of public figures selected for recognition.
The Thayer Award has historically honored actors, military leaders and civilians for contributions that reflect the academy's values; the cancellation leaves unclear whether the alumni group will reschedule the event, formally rescind the award, or proceed in another fashion. The Washington Post reported the academy's note to faculty but did not indicate a timetable for any further announcements.
The development is likely to add to debates over the role of political ideology in military affairs and the criteria used by veterans' and alumni organizations when selecting honorees. Trump’s public endorsement of the decision aligns with broader themes of his administration’s efforts to reshape policy and cultural norms within federal institutions and affiliated organizations.