West Point abruptly cancels award ceremony for Tom Hanks Biden’s top supporter
The alumni cited the need to return the academy’s core mission to be the world’s “most lethal force.” AP
The United States Military Academy at West Point has abruptly canceled an upcoming award ceremony for actor and veterans advocate Tom Hanks, according to an email obtained by The Washington Post. Hanks, a long-time supporter of Democratic candidates and causes, was scheduled to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award on September 25.
Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, in a message to alumni, stated that the decision to cancel the ceremony was made to keep the Academy focused on its primary mission.
“This decision allows the Academy to continue its focus on its core mission of preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as officers in the world’s most lethal force, the United States Army,” Bieger wrote.
The Sylvanus Thayer Award is one of West Point’s highest honors for civilians, given annually to a non-graduate whose character and accomplishments reflect the Academy’s ideals of “Duty, Honor, Country.” Past recipients have included presidents, military leaders, and prominent public figures. The email did not clarify whether Hanks would receive the award at another time or if the honor had been rescinded entirely.
Hanks, 69, is a celebrated actor and well-known public figure with a strong record of advocacy for military families, particularly through his involvement with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which supports caregivers of veterans. However, some of his recent portrayals and political stances have stirred controversy among conservatives.
Earlier this year, Hanks appeared in a “Saturday Night Live” sketch parodying Trump supporters, which critics claimed reinforced negative stereotypes. In the skit, Hanks played a character in a MAGA hat who hesitated to shake a Black contestant’s hand, later joking about launching a “White Jeopardy” version of the show.
Hanks has also made public statements expressing concern about the future of democracy in the U.S. and has supported Democratic leaders including Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Kamala Harris through campaign donations. He hosted a televised special for Biden’s inauguration in 2021 and narrated a 2022 video highlighting the Biden administration’s accomplishments.
The timing of the announcement coincided with former President Donald Trump’s statement renaming the Department of Defense as the “Department of War” in a symbolic gesture. Trump told reporters the change was intended to project a message of “victory” and a shift in attitude.
Neither West Point nor Hanks’ representatives responded to media inquiries about the decision. The West Point Association of Graduates and the White House also declined to comment.
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