Donald Trump Praises West Point For Canceling Ceremony To Honor ‘Woke’ Tom Hanks

Donald Trump is praising West Point for reportedly canceling a planned ceremony to honor Tom Hanks. The president weighed in on the “important” move in a candid Truth Social post on Sept. 8, declaring his belief that “destructive” and “WOKE” people shouldn’t receive “cherished American Awards.” Trump went on to share hope that prestigious events like the Oscars “and other fake award shows” will “review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice,” adding, “Watch their DEAD RATINGS SURGE!” West Point announced in June that Hanks was chosen for this year’s Thayer Award due in part to his past portrayal of American service members in movies like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Forrest Gump.” However, an email from the West Point alumni association president obtained by the Washington Post on Sept. 6 reportedly announced its decision to cancel the event. It is unclear if Hanks is still set to receive the award in a different circumstance. West Point has yet to weigh in publicly on the matter as of Trump’s post, and a representative for Hanks did not immediately respond to Access Hollywood’s request for comment. The two-time Oscar winner previously shared gratitude for the West Point recognition, saying in a statement at the time that “to be recognized by an institution whose graduates have shaped our country’s history through selfless service is both humbling and meaningful.” Hanks has been an outspoken Trump critic over the years and endorsed Kamala Harris, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton in the past three presidential elections.