- Tom Hanks’ award ceremony at West Point cancelled without clear reason.
- Trump praises cancellation, calls Hanks “woke” and “destructive”.
- Hanks has long supported military causes and played iconic military roles.
US President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for the United States Military Academy at West Point after it abruptly cancelled a planned ceremony to honour popular actor Tom Hanks.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Hanks who is a two-time Oscar winner known for his roles in military films and his advocacy for veterans, was scheduled to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award later this month.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Strike Averted As Dangote Allow Refinery Workers Join NUPENG
- Tambuwal’s Comments On Me, Tinubu, Won’t Go Unanswered – Wike
- Lagos Taskforce Dislodges Illegal Street Traders at Mile 2
The award recognises individuals whose service reflects the academy’s values of “duty, honour, country.”
However, the event was suddenly called off last week with little explanation. In response, Trump took to his social media platform on Monday to praise the move, describing Hanks as a “woke” and “destructive” figure.
“West Point has done the right thing by cancelling the ceremony for Tom Hanks. We don’t need woke, destructive figures receiving such important American honours,” Trump posted.
He added, “Let this be a signal to the Oscars and other fake award shows to reassess their fairness and standards. Watch their dead ratings jump!”
The retired Colonel Mark Bieger informed faculty that the cancellation would help the institution stay focused on its mission to train cadets for leadership and combat roles.
No clear link was made between Hanks and the academy’s core objectives.
Tom Hanks, who has long supported Democratic figures like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, also has a notable record of supporting military veterans.
He was the national face of the World War II Memorial project in Washington, D.C., and played a role in fundraising efforts for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial alongside the late Senator Bob Dole.
Hanks has also been recognised by the military in the past inducted as an honorary member of the US Army’s Ranger Hall of Fame—and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
His military film roles include Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump, Greyhound (which he also wrote), Bridge of Spies, and Captain Phillips, making him one of the most decorated actors in American film history.
Trump, who once made a cameo in Home Alone 2 and has expressed past frustrations over not winning an Emmy for The Apprentice, again criticised entertainment award shows for being biased.
FURTHER READING
- Tinubu Pays Tribute to Late Educationist Leila Fowler FG Orders
- NCAA To Name, Shame Airlines Over Flight Disruptions
Click here to watch video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
