In a dramatic move that stunned Hollywood and fans worldwide, Tom Hanks, often referred to as “America’s Dad,” has renounced his Oscar nominations and announced his departure from the United States following Donald Trump’s return to the presidency. Hanks, a perennial icon of wholesome patriotism and decency, cited the political climate as the reason for his decision, declaring, “This isn’t the America I wanted.”
The announcement, delivered via an emotional video posted on Instagram, saw Hanks sitting on a wooden bench reminiscent of Forrest Gump, holding a box of chocolates, as he explained why he could no longer call the U.S. home. “I’ve played soldiers, astronauts, and even Walt Disney, and I always believed in the promise of America,” he said, tears welling up in his eyes. “But this? This isn’t the country I fought for on-screen.”
The news came just days after Hanks received three Oscar nominations for his recent projects: The Last True American, Kindness in Chaos, and A Flag for Tomorrow. In an unprecedented move, Hanks contacted the Academy to withdraw his nominations, citing his disillusionment with the country’s direction. “How can I accept an award for playing an idealistic American when I don’t recognize the America I’m supposed to represent?” Hanks asked rhetorically.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a brief statement expressing shock and disappointment. “Tom Hanks is a pillar of our industry, and we respect his decision, though we deeply regret his absence from this year’s ceremony,” it read.
Hanks’ decision has left Hollywood reeling. Colleagues and fans alike have taken to social media to express their sadness and confusion. “Tom Hanks leaving America is like apple pie saying it’s done with dessert,” tweeted actress Reese Witherspoon. “What’s next, bald eagles moving to Canada?”
Even longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg weighed in, calling the decision “a wake-up call for all of us.” “If Tom Hanks is giving up on America, we all need to take a hard look in the mirror,” Spielberg said during a press junket for his latest film.
The public’s reaction to Hanks’ departure has been as polarized as the election itself. Supporters lauded his decision as a brave act of protest, with hashtags like #HanksForTruth and #AmericaLostTom trending across platforms.
“Tom Hanks was the last good thing about this country,” one fan lamented on Twitter. “If he’s leaving, what hope do the rest of us have?”
Critics, however, were less forgiving. “Tom Hanks leaving America is the ultimate Hollywood tantrum,” one detractor wrote. “Good riddance. Go find your utopia elsewhere.”
Hanks confirmed that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, plan to relocate to Greece, a country the couple has long cherished for its culture and history. “Greece understands the meaning of democracy,” Hanks said, taking a subtle jab at the current state of U.S. politics. “It’s the cradle of civilization. I’d rather live where democracy was born than where it’s dying.”
The move has prompted speculation about whether other celebrities might follow suit. Some insiders have hinted that Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro are also contemplating leaving the country, though their representatives have yet to confirm.
Hanks’ withdrawal from the Oscars is about more than awards; it’s a symbolic gesture against what he sees as a moral and cultural decline. “The roles I’ve played reflect an America that believed in unity, progress, and compassion,” he said. “But today, those values feel like relics of a forgotten time.”
Hanks specifically mentioned his roles in films like Saving Private Ryan and Apollo 13 as examples of the kind of America he believes is slipping away. “I don’t want to pretend anymore,” he said. “I can’t.”
It didn’t take long for Donald Trump to respond to Hanks’ announcement. During a rally in Ohio, the newly reelected president addressed the actor’s departure with his signature blend of bravado and sarcasm.
“Tom Hanks? Overrated!” Trump declared to cheers from the crowd. “He was never that good, folks. Maybe Forrest Gump—but let’s be honest, that’s just him playing himself.”
Trump then added, “If he wants to leave, let him. We don’t need actors telling us how to live our lives. We need people who love this country.”
Despite his decision to leave America, Hanks insists he’s not retiring. “I’ll still act,” he said, “but my focus will be on stories that transcend borders, stories that remind us of our shared humanity.”
Rumors are already swirling about his next project, a film about a man who builds a new life abroad after losing faith in his homeland. Fans have jokingly dubbed it Run, Tom, Run.
Hanks’ departure has sparked a larger conversation about the state of America and whether the nation is living up to the ideals it so often celebrates. For many, his decision feels like a loss not just for Hollywood, but for the country as a whole.
“If Tom Hanks can’t find hope here, what does that say about the rest of us?” one commentator asked. “Maybe it’s time we start asking what kind of America we want to be.”
As Hanks prepares to leave, he offered a heartfelt message to his fans. “I’m not giving up on America,” he said. “I’m just stepping away to find a new perspective. Maybe one day, I’ll come back. But for now, this isn’t the America I wanted. And I can’t pretend otherwise.”
With that, Hanks walked off-camera, leaving viewers with one final, bittersweet thought: “Life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get. Right now, this country’s got some flavors I just can’t stomach.”
NOTE: This is SATIRE, It’s Not True.