Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday celebrated the cancellation of a recognition ceremony that the U.S. Military Academy at West Point had planned for actor Tom Hanks, describing him as “destructive and woke.”

“Our great West Point (getting better every day!) has wisely decided to cancel the Award Ceremony for actor Tom Hanks. An important step! We don’t need destructive and ‘WOKE’ recipients receiving our beloved American Awards!” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The Award and Its Cancellation

Hanks was slated to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award, granted to a “distinguished citizen” who, despite not attending West Point, has demonstrated a record of service aligned with the academy’s values and ideals.

According to The Washington Post, which first reported the cancellation, the event had been scheduled for September 25.

Retired Army Colonel Mark Bieger, president and chief executive officer of the West Point Association of Graduates, confirmed the decision in an email. However, he did not clarify whether the award itself had been revoked or if it would be presented at another time.

Recognition of Hanks’ Work

In June, when the award was originally announced, the academy praised Hanks for his contributions to veterans and the military community.

“Tom Hanks has done more for the positive representation of the American servicemember, more for the care of veterans, their caregivers, and their families, and more for the U.S. space program and all branches of government than many of his fellow citizens,” West Point declared in a statement.

The academy also highlighted his portrayals of American servicemembers in films such as Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump, and Greyhound.

Political Context

Hanks is a well-known supporter of the Democratic Party. He publicly endorsed former President Joe Biden during the 2020 election campaign and Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign.