Tom Hanks caused a stir during Saturday Night Live’s 50th-anniversary special, leaving many Trump supporters upset. The actor appeared in a controversial sketch where he played his recurring character, Doug, wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat—a symbol closely tied to Donald Trump’s presidency.
The sketch, a parody of Jeopardy! called Black Jeopardy, featured Hanks’ character initially refusing to shake hands with host Kenan Thompson. Doug eventually relented but joked about starting a “White Jeopardy” instead. The moment was meant for laughs, but many Trump supporters didn’t find it funny.
After the show aired, social media exploded with criticism. Some accused Hanks and SNL of mocking Trump voters, portraying them as racist or unintelligent. One user wrote that the sketch reinforced negative stereotypes, while another claimed it showed why SNL’s ratings have dropped. Critics argued that the show alienates conservative viewers by leaning too heavily into liberal humor.
While SNL has always been known for political satire, this sketch clearly struck a nerve. For some, it was just another example of Hollywood dismissing Trump’s supporters. For others, it was a harmless joke. Either way, the debate isn’t likely to die down anytime soon.
