Tom Hanks Stirs Controversy with SNL Anniversary Skit

Tom Hanks has found himself in hot water with supporters of Donald Trump following his portrayal of a ‘MAGA’ character named Doug on Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special.

The star-studded event, held in New York on February 16, celebrated five decades of SNL—a milestone that drew in Hollywood icons like Meryl Streep, Martin Short, Jack Nicholson, and Aubrey Plaza.

Among the attendees was Tom Hanks, who took part in a comedic sketch that left some Trump supporters less than amused.

During the skit, the beloved actor donned a bright red ‘Make America Great Again’ cap, channeling the character of Doug in a parody game titled Black Jeopardy.

Kenan Thompson, acting as the game show’s host, attempted a handshake with Doug, who initially rebuffed the gesture. Eventually, Doug relented and returned the handshake but quipped, “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.”

His comments have lit the internet afire, with many Trump supporters expressing anger and disappointment on social media platforms like Twitter.

Backlash from Trump Supporters on Social Media

Reactions on social media were swift, with one tweet reading, “Tom Hanks went on SNL dressed like a slob mocking millions of Trump supporters – portraying them as dumb, racist, rednecks.”

Criticism continued with a comment stating, “Keep it up libs. You’ll never win another election again.”

Link Lauren, previously an advisor to Robert F. Kennedy Jr, added his voice, writing: “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.

“This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter. Trump won the popular vote. This tired trope that MAGA is racist is disgusting. SNL is an unfunny show for snobbish liberal elites. The current Republican Party is a big tent coalition comprised of many former Democrats. Good riddance, SNL!”

Another disgruntled viewer noted, “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,” while another observed, “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.”