Well, West Point just threw down the gauntlet. They will replace the award ceremony that was to have honored internationally acclaimed actor Tom Hanks with the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award. The decision comes as conflicts intensify between Hanks’s political endorsements, appearances and public persona. Critics, including but far from limited to former President Donald Trump, have drowned the actor in “woke” accusations.
Hanks, recognized for his significant contributions to film and public service, was slated to receive the award for his “service and accomplishments in the national interest.” The Sylvanus Thayer Award is presented to individuals whose character and conduct bring honor to the United States Military Academy.
Colonel Mark Bieger stated that the academy aims 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.” This statement suggests that the decision to cancel the ceremony may have been influenced by a desire to maintain the institution’s values and objectives.
The actor has cut big checks to prominent Dems including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Its decision to extend this support has angered opposition among some conservative political groups. Trump clearly isn’t happy about this. The West Point decision to honor Hanks was condemned in a recent Tucker/Trump statement.
“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!” – Donald Trump
Tom Hanks is an award-winning prolific actor who has received multiple Oscars and Golden Globes. Because he was movie star Tom Hanks, who won Best Actor two years running for “Forrest Gump” and “Philadelphia.” His Academy Award-nominated performance as Capt. John Miller in Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” has become one of the most classic roles in his long career. He went on to have a successful career as an actor. In 2016, he received the Congressional Gold Medal and was named the national spokesman for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
In spite of all he’s accomplished, Hanks has been criticized for his right-leaning political ties. Many critics argue that in promotional support for Democratic candidates he’s added a layer of arrogance that diminishes his artistic achievements.
He has an enviable résumé of film awards. For his contributions to film, he’s received seven Emmy Awards and five Academy Award nominations for Best Actor. In addition to acting in and writing the film, Hanks starred in the production “Greyhound,” in which he portrayed U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ernie Krause.