Elon Musk has once again sparked a wave of reactions across social media and beyond, this time with his unexpected take on Tom Hanks’ controversial sketch on Saturday Night Live (SNL). The sketch, which aired on a recent episode of the popular late-night comedy show, featured Hanks portraying a MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporter, a character that stirred up considerable debate due to its portrayal of political extremism and certain stereotypes. Musk’s surprising response to the sketch has caused a stir, as his comments have added fuel to the ongoing conversation about political humor, celebrity influence, and the intersection of comedy with real-world politics.
In the sketch, Hanks plays an exaggerated, over-the-top MAGA character, using elements of humor to satirize certain aspects of the political right. The sketch received mixed reactions from viewers — while some found it hilarious and reflective of the current political climate, others felt it crossed the line, perpetuating negative stereotypes and potentially alienating certain viewers. Given the polarized nature of American politics, the sketch became a lightning rod for debate, with people on both sides of the aisle weighing in.
Musk, who is no stranger to making headlines with his own controversial tweets and statements, shocked many when he responded publicly to the sketch. His reaction, which many felt was unexpected for a figure of his status, was a blend of surprise and disapproval. Musk’s comments were not about the specifics of the sketch itself but more about how the political satire may have been received by different segments of the audience. In a tweet, he questioned the timing and the effectiveness of the comedy, suggesting that humor rooted in political divisions could be harmful rather than enlightening.
Musk’s reaction has ignited a firestorm on social media, with users divided in their support and criticism. Some agreed with Musk, arguing that political humor — especially when it targets a specific group or ideology — only deepens societal divisions and creates more animosity between opposing sides. They pointed out that comedy should be about bringing people together, not reinforcing pre-existing stereotypes. Musk’s influence in the tech world and his ability to rally millions of followers on platforms like Twitter gave his comments significant weight, and many found his perspective compelling.
On the other hand, many others were quick to criticize Musk, claiming that his reaction missed the point of satire and the purpose of political humor. They argued that comedy has long been a tool to reflect societal issues and challenge power structures. SNL, in particular, is known for using humor to comment on political events, often pushing boundaries and taking risks in the name of satire. To these critics, Musk’s response was an overreaction and an attempt to stifle free expression.
What made Musk’s reaction even more surprising was his own history of controversial public statements, some of which have drawn ire for their political undertones. He has been outspoken on various issues, including his support for certain political candidates, his stance on free speech, and his often provocative comments regarding societal issues. Given his public persona, many expected him to take a more neutral or even playful stance on a subject like SNL’s political humor. Instead, his more serious take led to further speculation about his personal views on the relationship between celebrity culture, politics, and comedy.
I’m curious why Maga people are freaking out over Tom Hanks’ character on SNL’s BLACK JEOPARDY sketch, where he briefly appeared, when he was in a much longer and more pointed sketch playing the same character in the same fake game show EIGHT YEARS AGO.
Performative nonsense.
— Gail Simone 💙💛 (@GailSimone) February 17, 2025
While Musk’s comments were certainly eye-catching, they also added a new layer to the ongoing debate about the role of celebrities in shaping public opinion, particularly when it comes to sensitive political topics. Musk, who has built a massive following through his work with Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures, often uses his platform to share his thoughts on a wide range of issues. This latest incident, however, reminded the public that even the most unexpected voices can weigh in on matters of comedy, politics, and culture.
As the story continues to unfold, it’s clear that Musk’s reaction to Hanks’ MAGA sketch on SNL has only deepened the already complex conversation about the role of humor in addressing real-world issues. Whether or not Musk’s comments will sway public opinion or inspire other celebrities to reconsider how they approach political humor remains to be seen. What’s certain is that his involvement in the debate has made it impossible to ignore the intersection of comedy, politics, and the influence of public figures in shaping the national discourse.
