Tom Hanks has sparked significant backlash from Trump supporters following his portrayal of a MAGA-wearing character named ‘Doug’ during the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live (SNL), which aired on February 16. The star-studded celebration featured Hollywood icons like Meryl Streep, Martin Short, and Jack Nicholson, but it was Hanks’ skit that ignited controversy. In the sketch, Hanks reprised his role as Doug from a previous Black Jeopardy segment. This time, however, his character, donning a red Make America Great Again hat, engaged in a parody that highlighted cultural and political divides. The most contentious moment occurred when Kenan Thompson, playing the host, extended his hand for a handshake. Hanks’ character hesitated before reluctantly accepting, ultimately making a quip that drew ire: “Don’t like
Many people, notably Trump fans, were extremely offended by this moment and vented their ire on Twitter. “Tom Hanks went on Saturday Night Live dressed like a slob, mocking millions of Trump supporters—portraying them as stupid, racist, rednecks,” one critic commented. Libras, keep going. You will never again win an election.
Link “Tom Hanks just came out on SNL in a MAGA hat for a bit where he acted like he didn’t want to shake a Black man’s hand,” said Lauren, a former aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in another criticism of the spoof. This program questions why its ratings are so low. Lauren went on to say that SNL appeals to “snobbish liberal elites,” and that depicting MAGA supporters as racist is a cliche.
“This makes me mad. SNL ran a skit tonight w/Tom Hanks as a MAGA racist…he literally recoils when a black game show host reaches to shake hands.” Other users echoed similar sentiments, with one commenting, “No one in the audience laughs as Tom Hanks appears on SNL as a racist Trump supporter that refuses to shake hands with a black man.” The backlash underscores the ongoing cultural and political tensions surrounding portrayals of Trump supporters in media, especially in comedy.