Tom Hanks and Hollywood’s Struggle with Trump – A Close Look at Celebrities’ Missteps and Political Activism

Hollywood’s love affair with politics has often led to some controversial performances, and now, even the most admired stars have found themselves diving headfirst into political activism. Tom Hanks, a once-beloved actor known for his wit and charm, recently gave an embarrassing performance that left many questioning why celebrities would jeopardize their hard-earned reputations. Hanks, in an appearance on Saturday Night Live, attempted to express his political stance, but his words and actions left much to be desired.

Hanks, in an uncharacteristic move, began a speech by suggesting that if more Americans attended church, the nation would not be in its current mess. While his words may have come from a place of genuine belief, the way they were delivered was out of touch with the very audience he once resonated with. But the awkwardness didn’t stop there. When a Black man tried to shake Hanks’s hand, the actor awkwardly recoiled. This bizarre incident sent a clear message: Hollywood doesn’t just disdain President Trump, but, it seems, the average American as well. The incident was a stark example of how out of sync the Hollywood elite are with the everyday struggles of regular Americans.

Not all celebrities are content to stick to their craft. Take singer Cheryl Crow, for example, who made headlines by selling her Tesla as a protest against Trump and Elon Musk. Crow went on to donate the proceeds to NPR, as if her symbolic gesture would somehow shift the political tide. While her activism may seem brave to some, others see it as nothing more than an attempt to stay relevant in a world where celebrity opinions are scrutinized more than ever.

In the political arena, the disconnect between Hollywood and the rest of America grows stronger. On MSNBC, Rachel Maddow recently spread misinformation about a supposed $400 million deal between Elon Musk and the U.S. government. Maddow’s claims were quickly debunked, revealing that the contract was actually given to Musk by none other than Joe Biden. Yet, her attempt to attack Musk only highlighted how deeply some media personalities have misrepresented facts in their desperation to oppose the former president.

The growing trend of celebrities attempting to influence political discourse isn’t limited to Hollywood. Across the U.S. and Europe, the backlash against mainstream policies has been growing. Just last week, at the Daytona 500, President Donald Trump received a warm reception from the crowd. The same crowd, despite the continuous media narrative to the contrary, cheered for Trump during the anthem—a sign that ordinary Americans continue to support his vision, no matter how much the elites may disagree.

Across the ocean in Europe, Germany’s energy crisis continues to prove Trump right. Years ago, Trump warned that Germany’s reliance on Russian energy would backfire. Now, the nation is reeling from the consequences. German politicians, however, continue to ignore good advice. When JD Vance delivered a powerful speech at the Munich Security Conference, warning about growing threats within Europe, the elite class recoiled. His words about anti-democracy sentiments and uncontrolled immigration were met with shock and disdain. Yet, they were undeniable truths.

Germany’s failure to listen to outside perspectives echoes a broader issue facing Europe: the suppression of free speech. As JD Vance pointed out, European leaders continue to implement policies that stifle dissent. Germany, for example, has ramped up raids against citizens for what it deems “hate speech” on social media, threatening freedom of expression in the process. Meanwhile, the UK is experiencing its own troubling shifts toward censorship, where even a simple joke could lead to prosecution. The crackdown on free speech across the Atlantic is chilling, but it’s a reality that many are starting to notice—and reject.

Back in the U.S., the battle over free speech is also intensifying. The Department of Justice’s recent legal victories highlight the rising tension between government overreach and constitutional rights. Democrats’ relentless attempts to challenge the legitimacy of judicial decisions have drawn criticism, with many claiming that the courts are not the place for political resistance. Americans, fed up with the constant barrage of misinformation, are beginning to rally around the idea of a more direct and honest approach to politics—one that doesn’t try to appease the whims of the powerful few.

In the midst of these discussions, celebrities continue to disappoint. Tom Hanks, once regarded as a Hollywood staple, has become a prime example of the dangers of alienating your fanbase for the sake of political theater. His recent performance on Saturday Night Live left much to be desired. If you’re going to take a political stand, the least you can do is make it interesting or humorous. But Hanks’s attempt was simply cringe-worthy. Perhaps if he had approached it with more tact and wit, he could have avoided making a mockery of himself.

In contrast, comedian Jerry Seinfeld offered a refreshing example of how to navigate controversial topics. When confronted with a pro-Palestinian protester demanding a selfie with the words “Free Palestine,” Seinfeld’s response was a simple, nonchalant, “I don’t care.” His refusal to engage with the protester showed a level of courage and conviction that Hanks and other celebrities seem to lack. Seinfeld’s ability to remain calm and unapologetic in the face of political pressure is a skill many in Hollywood could learn from.

Despite the celebrity class’s attempt to dictate public opinion, the real power lies with the American people. Polling data has consistently shown that Trump’s policies resonate with a broad segment of the population. Despite the mainstream media’s relentless criticism, Trump’s approval ratings have been rising. His ability to connect with everyday Americans has become even more apparent, especially as his message of common sense and personal responsibility continues to gain traction.

It’s clear that Hollywood’s attempt to sway public opinion through celebrity activism has largely backfired. While actors like Tom Hanks and musicians like Cheryl Crow may think they are leading the charge for change, they are out of touch with the values and concerns of the average American. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly evident that Hollywood’s influence is waning—and the common sense movement is on the rise.