West Point Cancels Tom Hanks Award Ceremony Amid Trump Criticism
West Point canceled an award ceremony for actor Tom Hanks, set for the Sylvanus Thayer Award. President Trump praised the decision, criticizing Hanks as 'destructive' and 'woke,' leaving the award's status uncertain.
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Overview
- West Point's alumni association canceled a September 25 award ceremony and parade for actor Tom Hanks, who was to receive the Sylvanus Thayer Award.
- The Sylvanus Thayer Award is West Point's highest civilian honor, recognizing outstanding citizens for their support of veterans, the military, and America's space program.
- Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger reportedly announced the cancellation via email to faculty, with the decision reportedly influenced by Trump administration scrutiny.
- President Trump praised West Point for the cancellation, publicly criticizing Tom Hanks as 'destructive' and 'woke' due to his political activism.
- Despite the ceremony's cancellation, it remains unclear whether Tom Hanks will still be presented with the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award itself.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, presenting the reported cancellation of Tom Hanks' award and President Trump's reaction without loaded language. They provide balanced context, including Hanks' qualifications for the award and his past criticisms of Trump, allowing readers to understand the various facets of the event.
"Trump praised the cancellation in a post on Truth Social on Monday morning."
NBC News"Trump celebrated news on Monday that an alumni group from West Point canceled an award ceremony set to honor Tom Hanks, calling the famous actor 'destructive' and 'WOKE.'"
Military Times"The decision to cancel the ceremony for Hanks, who has criticized President Donald Trump in the past, comes on the heels of a tumultuous transition for the academy under the new administration."
USA TODAY"Trump celebrated news on Monday that an alumni group from West Point canceled an award ceremony set to honor Tom Hanks, calling the famous actor 'destructive' and 'WOKE.'"
Associated Press"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.”"
Deadline"The West Point Association of Graduates was to host a ceremony and parade honoring the 69-year-old actor and veterans advocate on Sept. 25."
NPR"The West Point alumni association has canceled a planned ceremony to honor Tom Hanks amid scrutiny from the Trump administration regarding military academies."
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Center (7)
FAQ
The Sylvanus Thayer Award is West Point's highest civilian honor, awarded annually to a U.S. citizen whose service and accomplishments exemplify West Point's values of Duty, Honor, and Country. Notable recipients include Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, George H. W. Bush, Barack Obama, General Colin Powell, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, comedian Bob Hope, and humanitarian Gary Sinise.
West Point's alumni association canceled the award ceremony for Tom Hanks reportedly due to scrutiny and criticism from the Trump administration. President Trump publicly praised the decision and criticized Hanks as 'destructive' and 'woke' due to his political activism.
It remains unclear whether Tom Hanks will still be presented with the Sylvanus Thayer Award itself despite the cancellation of the award ceremony and parade.
The award ceremony typically involves a formal ceremony attended by the entire Corps of Cadets, a full military review parade on the Plain, and a formal award dinner. It reflects the gravity and tradition of West Point occasions and includes the presentation of the Thayer Medal.
Sylvanus Thayer was the superintendent of West Point from 1817 to 1833, known as the 'Father of the Military Academy.' He established the Academy's educational philosophy and discipline, turning it into a leading military engineering school. The award is named in his honor to recognize individuals exemplifying West Point's values.
History
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