The West Point Association of Graduates has abruptly cancelled its upcoming award ceremony for actor Tom Hanks, who was set to receive the Sylvanus Thayer Award on September 25. The award is traditionally given to an 'outstanding citizen' who exemplifies the academy's ideals of 'duty, honour, and country'. Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, the association's president, announced the decision in an email on Friday, stating it allows the academy to focus on its core mission of preparing cadets to lead and fight.
It remains unclear whether Hanks's honour has been revoked or if it will be conferred in a different manner. Hanks, a prominent Democrat and frequent critic of Donald Trump, was named the 2025 recipient in June. Robert McDonald, former secretary of veterans affairs and board chairman, praised Hanks for his positive portrayal of American service members and support for veterans.
The cancellation comes as West Point faces pressure from the Trump administration, which has barred military academies from promoting 'un-American' ideas. Late last month, the academy dissolved its sociology major and cancelled classes on gender and race. It also restored a portrait of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, which had been removed in 2022.
