Tom Hanks has long been one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, but his latest appearance on Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special has ignited a major controversy. Reviving his MAGA-hat-wearing character, Doug, from Black Jeopardy, Hanks found himself in the middle of a heated political firestorm, with Trump supporters accusing him of mocking and insulting millions of Americans.

What was meant to be a nostalgic throwback quickly turned into a national debate over comedy, politics, and stereotypes. But was Hanks simply reviving a popular character, or did SNL go too far? Let’s break down the backlash and what it means for the show’s cultural relevance.

The Sketch That Sparked the Fury

During SNL’s star-studded 50th anniversary special, Tom Hanks reprised his 2016 role as Doug, a friendly but clueless Trump supporter featured in Black Jeopardy. The original sketch was seen as a surprising blend of humor and social commentary, highlighting the unexpected similarities between Trump voters and Black culture.

However, this time around, the joke didn’t land the same way.

In the new version, Doug refused to shake hands with the host, Darnell Hayes, played by Kenan Thompson. That small but powerful moment sent shockwaves across social media, with many Trump supporters calling it offensive and outdated.

Trump Supporters Slam Tom Hanks and SNL

The backlash was swift and loud. Critics argued that the sketch pushed a divisive and unfair stereotype, especially considering Trump’s growing support among minority voters.

Former RFK Jr. aide Link Lauren called the sketch “disgusting,” adding:
“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.”

Right-wing influencer Dominick McGee took direct aim at Hanks, writing:
“Tom Hanks was just disrespecting every Republican on SNL. Dressing up as a Trump supporter with a MAGA hat? That’s low.”

One angered viewer tweeted:
“So not funny and Tom Hanks insulted me and 77 million other viewers.”

The outrage didn’t stop there. Many users pointed out how silent the live audience was, suggesting that even SNL fans weren’t amused by the joke.

Is SNL Out of Touch with Modern Politics?

Beyond the Tom Hanks controversy, SNL’s political humor has been under fire for years. Many conservatives believe the show recycles outdated jokes about Trump and his supporters, ignoring the shifting political landscape.

A pro-Trump account on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Tom Hanks and SNL thought it would be hilarious for him to put on a MAGA hat and act out a stereotype of half the country in a desperate attempt to cope with Democrats’ crushing defeat in November. Not surprising no one watches SNL or NBC anymore.”

This sentiment reflects a growing divide between traditional comedy and modern audiences. While SNL’s political jabs once felt fresh, critics argue that the show hasn’t evolved, making it predictable rather than provocative.

More Political Jabs Throughout the Night

The Tom Hanks sketch wasn’t the only moment that took shots at Trump. The entire three-and-a-half-hour special was filled with political humor aimed at conservatives.

Steve Martin’s Opening Monologue: He joked about Trump renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”.

Martin Short’s ICE Joke: A fake ICE raid on Short, a Canadian, had the audience laughing—while conservatives felt it mocked immigration policies.

Les Misérables Parody: The show even reworked I Dreamed a Dream into a joke about Trump moving to Florida, referring to him as “King Kong.”

While some liberal-leaning viewers enjoyed the humor, others felt it showed SNL’s unwillingness to adapt to changing political realities.

Is This a Turning Point for SNL?

SNL has long been a cultural powerhouse, shaping political satire for decades. But with ratings declining and backlash increasing, some wonder if the show is losing its edge.

Supporters say: “Comedy should be fearless. If Trump supporters can’t take a joke, that’s on them.”
Critics argue: “SNL is stuck in 2016. It refuses to acknowledge how much the world has changed.”

Many believe that SNL needs to evolve—or risk alienating large portions of its audience.

Final Thoughts: Did Tom Hanks Go Too Far?

At its core, this controversy isn’t just about Tom Hanks wearing a MAGA hat—it’s about how comedy and politics intersect in a deeply divided country.

While some see it as harmless satire, others feel it’s an outdated attack on millions of Americans. Either way, the backlash proves one thing:

SNL still knows how to stir the pot—but is it doing so at the expense of its relevance?

As for Tom Hanks, he’s unlikely to respond to the criticism, but one thing is certain: his return as Doug won’t be forgotten anytime soon.