Tom Hanks‘ portrayal of a MAGA supporter during SNL‘s 50th anniversary television special didn’t go over well with Trump fans.
A star-studded lineup of former and current SNL (Saturday Night Live) cast members, celebrities, and musical guests gathered in New York City to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary.
SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration brought out stars like Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, Miley Cyrus, Alec Baldwin, Adam Sandler and more. But it was Tom Hanks’ appearance that had everyone talking.

Hanks, who has hosted the weekly comedy show 10 times, took part in a parody skit of a game show called “Black Jeopardy.” In the bit, the “Sleepless in Seattle” actor portrays a white Trump supporter named Doug, who is wearing a MAGA hat, a character he first introduced on the show in 2016.

After answering a question about Dana Carvey’s iconic SNL character, The Church Lady, Hanks says, “Speaking of church, can I say something? If more folks went to church, we wouldn’t be in this mess we’re in now.”

The black host, played by Kenan Thompson, says he agrees and reaches out a hand to Hanks, but Hanks’ character acts afraid to shake it.

“Don’t like that, woah, woah, woah,” Hanks said, before cautiously reaching out to shake Thompson’s hand. “Maybe I’ll start a show for you to come and we’ll call it ‘White Jeopardy,’” Hanks said.

Tom Hanks’ skit was called “tone deaf” and “disgusting.”

Many who opposed Hanks’ skit were people of color who voted for Donald Trump in the recent election.

“@tomhanks, let me introduce myself … I’m 22 years old. I’ve been black all of my life. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I’m a proud supporter of Donald Trump. The only racist political party in America is the Democrat Party, the founders of the KKK. MAGA welcomes ALL,” one Trump supporter wrote on X.

Another viewer pointed out that “Trump’s 2024 election win was the LEAST racially divisive American election since 1964.”

Tom Hanks, dressed as a MAGA supporter on SNL acting as he’s afraid to shake a black man’s hand, pushing the LIE that MAGA equals racism. This portrayal is not just ignorant; it’s laughably out of touch. The Left, like Hanks, clings to a narrative painting MAGA as white… pic.twitter.com/xVuxpXgrwM

— ꪻꫝể ꪻꫝể (@TheThe1776) February 17, 2025

Tom Hanks and SNL not only received criticism for their mockery of Trump supporters but for their seeming disrespect of the church.

“SNL Decided to make fun of Christians who voted for Trump. Tom Hanks. Shame,” a viewer wrote on X. Another shared, “Tom Hanks not only made Trump supporters look racist , but also he’s making fun of us for loving God and Church.”

Watch Tom Hanks’ “Black Jeopardy” appearance on SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration at the video below.