Tom Hanks is facing backlash over his controversial MAGA-themed skit, with many viewers outraged by what they see as a racist performance.

The actor has been criticized for portraying a President Donald Trump supporter as a naive “racist” in a sketch featured during Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The Hollywood star reprised his role as Doug, a clueless character sporting a Make America Great Again hat who surprisingly excels at Black Jeopardy, a satirical game show. The Daily Mail reported on the controversy surrounding the skit.

How did SNL mock President Donald Trump during the show?

Hanks originally introduced Doug on Black Jeopardy! in 2016, aiming to highlight both the differences and unexpected similarities between President Trump supporters and Black culture.

However, MAGA supporters have since pointed out that Trump has won the popular vote in primaries and gained support from a diverse range of voters, making Doug’s character an outdated stereotype.

In this updated version of the skit, Doug refused to shake hands with host Darnell Hayes, played by Kenan Thompson. This moment sparked outrage among President Trump supporters, who criticized both Hanks and SNL for what they considered an unfair portrayal.

Link Lauren, a former aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., condemned the skit as “disgusting,” accusing Saturday Night Live of pushing an outdated and divisive narrative. He wrote, “This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter.”

Why are MAGA supporters upset with Tom Hanks?

Fans of President Donald Trump took to social media to express their frustration with the sketch. Right-wing influencer Dominick McGee specifically called out Hanks, accusing him of mocking all Republicans by dressing up as a Trump supporter in a MAGA hat.

Another critic noted, “No one in the audience laughs as Tom Hanks appears on SNL as a racist Donald Trump supporter that refuses to shake hands with a Black man,” pointing out what they perceived as an awkward silence during the segment.

Trump supporters also used the controversy to highlight what they claim is SNL’s declining viewership, as reported by the Daily Mail.

FAQs

Why are people criticizing Tom Hanks for his Saturday Night Live skit?
Hanks’ portrayal of a Trump supporter as a clueless racist angered MAGA fans, who found the characterization offensive and outdated, especially given Trump’s diverse base of supporters.

What other political jokes were featured during SNL’s 50th anniversary?
The show took multiple jabs at President Donald Trump, including mocking his renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and featuring a parody song about his move to Florida.