In a dramatic escalation of his cultural rhetoric, former US President Donald Trump has launched a vehement public attack on one of Hollywood's most enduring and respected figures, Tom Hanks, branding him as 'woke' and a pawn of the Democratic party.
A Rally Broadside Against a National Treasure
During a charged campaign rally, Trump singled out the Oscar-winning actor, best known for his universally acclaimed roles in films like Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan. The former president accused Hanks of being a key propagandist for what he termed the 'radical left', despite the actor's long-standing reputation for bipartisanship and being considered a modern-day national treasure.
More Than Just Words: A Call to Action
Trump's critique transcended mere verbal criticism. He explicitly urged his supporters to boycott films featuring Hanks and to actively reject what he described as the actor's 'leftist narrative'. This move is seen by political analysts as a strategic effort to solidify his base by targeting high-profile cultural symbols ahead of the next election cycle.
The Context of a Wider Cultural Battle
This incident is not isolated. It fits into a broader pattern where Trump has leveraged his platform to critique prominent figures in entertainment, media, and sports whom he perceives as ideological opponents. The term 'woke', once associated with social awareness, has been weaponised as a central pejorative in this ongoing culture war.
Immediate Backlash and Public Reaction
The reaction to Trump's comments was swift and largely critical. Many commentators and public figures rushed to defend Hanks' legacy, pointing to his decades of work that have often celebrated quintessential American values. The attack has been widely interpreted as a divisive tactic that seeks to undermine a unifying public figure for political gain.
This public denunciation of such an apolitical and beloved icon underscores the deepening political fractures in the American landscape and signals the potent role cultural figures will play in the forthcoming political battles.
