With the heat of the recent U.S. election still simmering, social media is ablaze with a rumor: Tom Hanks has fled the country after Donald Trump’s re-election.
Speculation that the beloved Forrest Gump star has left the U.S. intensified after a viral TikTok video suggested he packed his bags to escape “President Trump 2.0.”
But is there any truth to it? Here’s what we know so far about the rumors of Tom Hanks leaving the U.S. and the actor’s thoughts on the current political landscape.
Rumors of Tom Hanks Leaving the U.S.
A viral TikTok video by user @celiina.t97 sparked the recent buzz, claiming that Hanks had released a humorous yet alarming statement: “I have officially fled the country.” Supposedly, Hanks joked that when Trump was re-elected, he thought, “Run, Forrest, run!” and sprinted out of the country “faster than a castaway chasing a volleyball.”
The post included a faux message from Hanks to his fans, saying that he’s currently staying at a “far-off, undisclosed location,” avoiding potential legal troubles and planning a “politically-induced vacation.” It also mentioned he’d be back in time for “President Oprah.”
However, while funny, this statement was neither real nor endorsed by Hanks himself. No credible sources support this TikTok rumor, and Hanks has not confirmed any plans to leave the U.S.
Social Media and Fake News Stirring the Pot
This is not the first time that rumors about Tom Hanks moving abroad have circulated. In January 2024, a viral Facebook post falsely claimed Hanks had “converted to Judaism and fled to Israel following the release of the Epstein client list.”
The fabricated news was made to look like a CNN report, but Reuters debunked it as a complete hoax.
In September 2024, just before the election, another viral post on X (formerly Twitter) from @realTrumpNewsX claimed Hanks said he would leave the country if Trump was re-elected. While this post gained widespread attention, Hanks never made such an announcement.
Tom Hanks on Politics and Trump’s Presidency
While Hanks hasn’t held back on his disapproval of Trump in the past, he’s never indicated plans to move abroad because of it. In a CNN interview in June 2024, Hanks was asked about the possibility of Trump returning to the White House.
He expressed concern, saying there’s “always a reason to be worried about the short-term,” but underscored his faith in America’s ability to work towards a “more perfect union” over time.
“The journey to a more perfect union has missteps in it,” he explained, hinting at the nation’s capacity to evolve, even if the path is sometimes rocky.
When asked if he worried about the country’s future, Hanks noted he believes that “western societies… cannot help but turn towards what is right.” He expressed confidence in the resilience of democracy and his faith in Americans’ shared values of truth and justice.
Tom Hanks’ Long-Standing Criticism of Donald Trump
Hanks has previously voiced strong opinions on Trump’s political career. During Trump’s first campaign in 2016, Hanks called him a “self-involved gas bag” and said it would be a “dark day for planet Earth” if Trump won.
Hanks supported Hillary Clinton, citing her extensive political experience as an asset to handling the country’s complex issues.
Over the years, Hanks’ public statements have consistently reflected his commitment to progressive ideals and democracy. Yet, he’s never hinted at abandoning the U.S. based on political outcomes, including Trump’s potential return to office.
If anything, his remarks suggest a dedication to staying and advocating for the country’s growth and improvement.
Setting the Record Straight on Tom Hanks’ Plans
Despite the latest wave of rumors, there is no factual basis to claims that Tom Hanks has fled the U.S. His recent statements suggest he is more focused on supporting America’s long-term progress than on any drastic escape plans.
The speculation, while amusing, likely plays on Hanks’ reputation for honesty and humor. But the truth is clear: Tom Hanks isn’t leaving the country, even if he’s sometimes frustrated by its politics.
