Trump Criticizes Tom Hanks for ‘Woke’ Award Cancellation

Former President Donald Trump has launched a scathing criticism of actor Tom Hanks, labeling him as “destructive” and “woke” after the U.S. Military Academy, commonly known as West Point, canceled a ceremony honoring the actor. The decision came shortly before Hanks was set to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award later this month for his contributions to the national interest.

Trump expressed his approval of the cancellation on his social media platform, stating, “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 further criticized the Academy Awards and other similar events, suggesting they should reevaluate their practices to ensure fairness and justice.

Cancellation Sparks Controversy

The abrupt cancellation of Hanks’ award was communicated to the faculty by retired Colonel Mark Bieger, who emphasized the institution’s need to maintain its focus on preparing cadets for military leadership. Bieger did not provide specific reasons linking Hanks’ award to this focus. Hanks, who has a long-standing history of supporting veterans’ causes, has previously endorsed Democratic candidates such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. His advocacy work includes serving as the national spokesperson for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and supporting fundraising efforts for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial.

The alumni association of West Point issued a statement acknowledging Hanks’ contributions but did not elaborate on the reasoning behind the cancellation. Hanks has been recognized with numerous accolades, including his induction as an honorary member into the U.S. Army’s Ranger Hall of Fame and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

Hanks’ Military Portrayals and Achievements

As a celebrated actor, Hanks has portrayed several military characters in films, including Capt. John Miller in “Saving Private Ryan” and Forrest Gump, the Vietnam War soldier for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor. His portrayal in “Greyhound,” for which he also wrote the screenplay, further solidified his connection to military narratives. Hanks has received seven Emmy Awards and five Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, winning twice consecutively.

In contrast, Trump, who has made brief appearances in entertainment, including a cameo in “Home Alone 2,” has frequently expressed disappointment over not receiving an Emmy for his reality television show, “The Apprentice.” He has vocalized feelings of being unfairly overlooked, stating that he “should have gotten it” and that he “got screwed out of an Emmy.”

This incident underscores the growing divide in American cultural and political discourse, where figures such as Trump and Hanks represent contrasting perspectives on issues like patriotism and artistic expression. The cancellation of Hanks’ award may reflect broader tensions as various institutions navigate their roles in an increasingly polarized environment.