Tom Hanks’ SNL Skit Sparks Controversy Among Trump Supporters
Tom Hanks has stirred up reactions among Donald Trump supporters after portraying his MAGA-wearing character, ‘Doug,’ during the 50th-anniversary special of Saturday Night Live.
On February 16, celebrities from across the entertainment industry gathered in New York to commemorate the milestone celebration of SNL.
From Meryl Streep and Martin Short to Jack Nicholson and Aubrey Plaza, numerous A-list stars attended the event to honor the iconic sketch comedy show’s 50 years on air.
Hanks was also among the notable attendees. The acclaimed actor participated in a skit that has since sparked discussions among supporters of former President Donald Trump.
The Forrest Gump star sported a red ‘Make America Great Again’ cap while portraying a character named Doug in a parody game show segment titled Black Jeopardy.
During the skit, Kenan Thompson, acting as the host, extended his hand for a handshake, but Doug initially hesitated.
Eventually, Doug reciprocated the gesture, then remarked: “Don’t like that, whoa, whoa, whoa. Maybe I’ll start a show for you to come on, and we’ll call it White Jeopardy.”
Following the broadcast, numerous Trump supporters took to social media to express their disapproval of the segment, with many criticizing the portrayal.
One user posted: “Tom Hanks went on SNL dressed like a slob, mocking millions of Trump supporters—depicting them as ignorant, racist rednecks.”
“Keep it up, libs. You’ll never win another election again,” the post continued.
The skit has drawn significant backlash from viewers.
Link Lauren, a former advisor to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also weighed in, stating: “Tom Hanks just appeared on SNL in a MAGA hat for a skit where he acted as if he didn’t want to shake hands with a Black man.
“This show wonders why their ratings keep plummeting. Trump won the popular vote. This ongoing narrative that MAGA is racist is appalling. SNL is an unfunny program catering to elitist liberal audiences. Today’s Republican Party is a diverse coalition that includes many former Democrats. Good riddance, SNL.”
Another Trump supporter commented: “No one in the audience laughed as Tom Hanks played a racist Trump supporter on SNL who refuses to shake hands with a Black man.”
Meanwhile, another viewer shared their frustration: “This is infuriating. SNL aired a skit tonight featuring Tom Hanks as a MAGA racist… he literally recoils when a Black game show host reaches out to shake hands.”