Trump blasts "WOKE" Tom Hanks after West Point award ceremony cancellation
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Tom Hanks attends a movie premiere at the Lincoln Center on May 28 in New York City. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
President Trump on Monday took aim at cinema superstar Tom Hanks and praised the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after its alumni association reportedly canceled an award ceremony recognizing the Hollywood icon.
Why it matters: Hanks, who was praised by the graduate group for his decades of support for veterans and service members, aligned himself with former President Biden's campaign and came under conservative fire this year after portraying a Trump supporter on Saturday Night Live.
Driving the news: "We don't need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!!" Trump wrote in a Monday Truth Social post.
- "Hopefully the Academy Awards, and other Fake Award Shows, will review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice," the president continued.
Worth noting: The Academy Award winner and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient ranks #18 in YouGov's ratings of the most popular contemporary actors and is often dubbed "America's dad."
- Beyond his vast filmography, Hanks is involved in a number of philanthropic and social causes, including veteran caregiving, space exploration and cancer research.
Catch up quick: Hanks was set to receive the Sylvanus Thayer Award, which is given to "an outstanding citizen" who exemplifies a commitment to the ideals in West Point's motto: "Duty, Honor, Country."
- In a statement at the time of the announcement, Hanks said it was "simply astounding" to receive the honor.
- "To be recognized by an institution whose graduates have shaped our country's history through selfless service is both humbling and meaningful," he said.
- But as first reported by the Washington Post and confirmed by multiple outlets, the graduate association made the decision to cancel the award ceremony, saying it would allow the Academy to instead focus on its "core mission."
Zoom out: Hanks is far from the only superstar to draw the president's ire.
- Trump described pop star Taylor Swift as "no longer "HOT," called Bruce Springsteen "highly overrated" and lashed out at Beyoncé and other "unpatriotic 'entertainers'" who endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris.
- But he's also used his platform to support celebrities who are seemingly more aligned with his vision, backing actress Sydney Sweeney during the American Eagle's controversial ad campaign.
Go deeper: Swift, Beyoncé, Springsteen: Trump's new political foes are pop stars
