1 year ago
West Point Cancels Tom Hanks Award Amid Scrutiny
West Point, a U.S. military academy, decided not to give an award to actor Tom Hanks.
The award, called the Thayer Award, honors people who aren't from West Point but help the country.
The decision came as the military schools are being looked at closely by the government under Donald Trump.
His son, Donald Trump Jr. supported the decision, criticizing the academy's recognition of 'woke leftwing celebrities.'
Hanks was to be recognized for supporting veterans and his roles in movies and TV shows that showed the military in a good light.
The academy's alumni group said the decision was to let the school focus on training soldiers.
West Point's alumni association cancelled an award ceremony for Tom Hanks.
The award was the Thayer Award, given to those who exemplify West Point's ideals.
Decision comes amid increased scrutiny of military academies from the Trump administration.
Donald Trump Jr. supported the decision, criticizing recognition of 'woke leftwing celebrities.'
Hanks has supported veterans and portrayed the military positively in his career.
- Who
- West Point Association of Graduates, Tom Hanks
- What
- Cancelled the Thayer Award ceremony for Tom Hanks
- Where
- West Point, Washington D.C. (National World War II Memorial)
- When
- Ceremony planned for September 25, cancellation announced recently
- Why
- Due to increased scrutiny from the Trump administration and pressure to focus on military training.
Key facts
- Award
- Thayer Award
- Award Ceremony Date
- Planned for September 25
- Award Giver
- West Point Association of Graduates
- Focus of Hanks' Recognition
- Advocacy for veterans and positive portrayal of service members
- Controversy
- Increased scrutiny of military academies from Trump administration
Quotes
Executive order
Signed by Trump
“carefully review the leadership, curriculum, and instructors of the United States Service Academies and other defense academic institutions associated with their respective Departments to ensure alignment with this order.”
deadline.com
“In addition, these institutions shall be required to teach that America and its founding documents remain the most powerful force for good in human history”
deadline.com
Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger
President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates
“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.”
deadline.com
Robert A. McDonald
Chairman of the alumni board
“Tom Hanks has done more for the positive portrayal of the American service member, more for the caring of the American veteran, their caregivers and their family, and more for the American space program and all branches of government than many other Americans.”
deadline.com
Hegseth
Appeared with Trump in the Oval Office
“restoring the warrior ethos, restoring victory and clarity as an end state.”
deadline.com
Sources
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