A simmering feud has seemingly reignited between former President Donald Trump and acclaimed actor Tom Hanks. The latest chapter unfolds as Trump publicly criticized Hanks following the cancellation of an award ceremony where the actor was slated to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award.

The Sylvanus Thayer Award, a highly esteemed honor, is bestowed upon individuals deemed exemplary citizens who embody the ideals of "Duty, Honor, and Country," the very motto of the esteemed West Point military academy. Former military leader Sylvanus Thayer served as the fifth superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from 1817 to 1833, lending his name to this significant recognition.

Hanks was initially informed of his selection for the award back in June and was scheduled to receive it at a formal ceremony on September 25th. The event was to be hosted by the West Point alumni group, further underscoring the award's significance within the military community.

However, a sudden shift in plans occurred when leaders of the West Point alumni group abruptly reversed course, deciding to scrap the award ceremony altogether. This unexpected decision sent ripples through the academy and the broader community.

Colonel [Name Redacted], speaking on behalf of the academy, explained that the cancellation was motivated by a desire to maintain focus on West Point's primary mission: "preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as officers in the world’s most lethal force, the Army." This statement, revealed in a memo, suggested a potential concern that the ceremony might detract from the core objectives of the institution.

Trump, seizing upon this opportunity, took to social media to express his disapproval. In a post, he declared, "We don’t need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!!" His statement clearly targeted Hanks, whom he has criticized in the past for his political views.

Despite the cancellation of the ceremony, sources confirm that Hanks will still receive the Sylvanus Thayer Award, albeit without the fanfare of a formal event. This ensures that his contributions and embodiment of the award's ideals are still recognized, regardless of the altered circumstances.

Hanks himself had previously expressed his gratitude for being selected, stating that "To be recognized by an institution whose graduates have shaped our country’s through selfless service is both humbling and meaningful." His words underscore the deep respect he holds for West Point and its graduates.

Trump didn't stop at criticizing Hanks; he also took a swipe at the Academy Awards, suggesting that their ratings would "surge" if executives took a similar approach and "ditch[ed] supposedly woke actors." This reflects Trump's ongoing narrative of cultural grievances and his belief that "wokeness" negatively impacts entertainment.

Interestingly, viewership for the Academy Awards has seen some fluctuations in recent years. For example, around 18 million people watched the 2025 Academy Awards, which was 8% down on the previous year according to Nielsen stats. In 2024, 19.7 million tuned into the coveted awards show, demonstrating the ever-changing landscape of audience engagement.

This latest jab at Hanks follows previous criticisms from MAGA supporters regarding Hanks's portrayal of a white Trump supporter with a rural accent in a Saturday Night Live skit. The skit, a "Black Jeopardy!" segment, featured Hanks refusing to shake the hand of the host, portrayed by Kenan Thompson, further fueling the controversy.

The portrayal sparked outrage among some Trump supporters, who felt it was disrespectful and unfair. This incident exemplifies the often-polarized reactions to political satire and the challenges of navigating sensitive topics in entertainment.

Beyond the political fray, Tom Hanks is undoubtedly a celebrated and accomplished actor. A two-time Oscar winner, Hanks first won the Best Actor in a Leading Role award in 1994 for his powerful performance in Philadelphia, a film that also starred Denzel Washington.

The following year, he secured another Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar for his iconic portrayal of Forrest Gump, triumphing over notable actors like Morgan Freeman and Nigel Hawthorne. This back-to-back win solidified his status as one of Hollywood's leading men.

Hanks's impressive career also includes Oscar nominations for his roles in Saving Private Ryan, Cast Away, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. These nominations showcase his consistent ability to deliver compelling and memorable performances across diverse genres.

Moreover, Hanks has starred in a string of successful films, including Apollo 13, The Green Mile, and Catch Me If You Can. He has also portrayed real-life figures, such as Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger in the 2016 blockbuster Sully, further demonstrating his versatility and range as an actor.

The ongoing tension between Trump and Hanks highlights the intersection of politics and entertainment in contemporary society. Celebrities often find themselves caught in the crossfire of political debates, and their actions and statements can be subject to intense scrutiny.

It remains to be seen how this particular episode will further unfold, but it underscores the enduring influence of public figures and the challenges of navigating the complexities of political discourse in the digital age.

The situation also raises questions about the role of institutions like West Point in the current political climate. Their decisions, even regarding seemingly non-political events, can be interpreted through a political lens and spark controversy.

Ultimately, the cancellation of the award ceremony and Trump's subsequent remarks serve as a reminder of the deep divisions that exist within American society and the potential for even seemingly innocuous events to become fodder for political debate.

As for Tom Hanks, he continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood and beyond, known not only for his acting talent but also for his philanthropic work and his advocacy for various causes.

And while the Sylvanus Thayer Award ceremony may not proceed as planned, the fact that Hanks will still receive the award speaks volumes about his character and his contributions to society, embodying the very principles of "Duty, Honor, and Country."

The story serves as a reminder that even amidst political disagreements, recognizing and celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions remains essential.