Movie star Tom Hanks has emerged as the preferred figure to represent the United States, according to a recent Daily Mail/JL Partners survey. The poll, conducted in June, suggests that a majority of American voters view Hanks as best embodying the nation's core values and principles, placing him ahead of both President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama.
Hanks, 69, known for his diverse roles and charismatic connection with audiences, is frequently perceived as an "everyman" figure. His public persona and past statements indicate a lean towards Democratic Party ideals, and he has been openly critical of the Trump administration.
In past public statements, Hanks has voiced strong opinions regarding politics. He referred to Donald Trump as a "simplistic, self-involved, gasbag of a candidate" in 2016 and has expressed doubts about the seriousness with which the Trump administration upheld its oath of office. However, Hanks has also been known to engage in lighthearted criticism of both Republican and Democratic figures, as seen in a playful interaction with MS NOW regarding viewership numbers.
Hanks has consistently articulated ideals that resonate across the political spectrum. He has described the United States as "the promised land, the closest the world has ever gotten to a true promised land." His philanthropic efforts include the "Hanks for Our Troops" coffee brand, which donates all profits to military support organizations, and a tradition of sending espresso machines to the White House press corps with messages encouraging a commitment to "Truth, Justice, and the American Way."
According to a June 2025 press release from Robert McDonald, a West Point Association of Graduates board member, Hanks has significantly contributed to the positive portrayal of American service members and veterans, as well as to the American space program and various government branches.
Hanks often reflects on the meaning of American identity, frequently referencing the Preamble to the Constitution: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union." He stated in a 2024 interview with CNN that the nation has "inevitably made progress towards" this ideal over time, and in June, he indicated to The Atlantic that this principle remains his guiding force, emphasizing the ongoing individual effort to "work on the forming of a more perfect union."
Other notable figures mentioned in the poll included Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Clint Eastwood, and Bruce Springsteen, with Obama and Trump also receiving frequent mentions.