Despite Tom Hanks‘ career of supporting veterans and depicting their stories on screen, President Donald Trump has deemed him “destructive” and “woke.”
On Truth Social on Monday, Trump praised the decision by West Point‘s alumni association to cancel a planned award ceremony for the actor, who was to be recognized for his “service and accomplishments in the national interest.”
Trump wrote, “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!”
Last week, West Point’s alumni association canceled a planned ceremony later this month to honor Hanks with one of its top awards, as the military service academy has come under increased scrutiny from the Trump administration.
The Washington Post reported on an email that went out on Friday from Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, the president and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, to faculty members. Bieger wrote that the alumni association would not be holding a planned Sept. 25 ceremony for Hanks, who was to receive the Thayer Award, given to citizens who did not attend West Point but whose “service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in West Point’s motto: ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’”
Per the Post, Bieger wrote, “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.”
It’s not clear whether Hanks will still receive the award, or if it’s been canceled outright.
Bieger and a spokesperson for the alumni association did not return Deadline’s requests for comment. Hanks’ publicist also has not responded.
Trump’s attack on the Academy Awards came a day after Barack Obama won his third Emmy, for the narration of a Netflix documentary. Trump never won an Emmy for The Apprentice, and came to insist that the awards were rigged.
When the award was announced in June, Hanks was recognized for his advocacy on behalf of veterans, serving, along with Bob Dole, as spokesperson for the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. and national chairperson for the D-Day Museum Capital Campaign. He served as chair of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes campaign, and as recipient of the foundation’s Caregiver Champion Award.
Also cited were Hanks’ extensive credits that have brought the military experience to the screen, including his starring role in Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, as well as miniseries he spearheaded as executive producer, including Band of Brothers, The Pacific and Masters of the Air.
Hanks has backed Obama and Joe Biden in their presidential campaigns, and he hosted Biden’s inaugural special, Celebrating America, when he took office in 2021. But compared to other celebrities who have gotten involved in politics, he’s publicly stayed out of much of the policy fray. His Instagram feed includes recent posts promoting Hanks Coffee, with profits going to veterans support organizations, and another post promoting voter registration.
Hanks appeared in a Saturday Night Live skit in February, marking the series 50th anniversary, in which he reprised his role as Doug on Black Jeopardy. In the skit, he played a Trump supporter wearing a MAGA cap and freaking out over shaking host Kenan Thompson’s hand. Trump has a history of lashing out at SNL and its satire, even though he has hosted the show.
Trump also has gone after other celebrity figures for their endorsements. He threatened to investigate Bruce Springsteen and Beyonce for their endorsements of Kamala Harris in last year’s presidential election. His attack on Hanks appeared to be another way to try to intimidate Hollywood supporters, a warning should they publicly endorse Democratic candidates in upcoming elections.
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