Maher recently criticized a “Saturday Night Live” skit from February that depicted Trump supporters as r*cist, sparking a broader conversation about comedic accuracy and political stereotyping. On his podcast “Club Random” with guest Jillian Michaels, Maher expressed frustration with the skit’s portrayal of a MAGA hat-wearing character, played by Tom Hanks, who refuses to shake a Black man’s hand.
The commentary, alongside reactions from viewers, highlights ongoing debates about how media represents political groups and the impact of such portrayals.
Maher’s Critique of SNL’s Portrayal
During his podcast, Maher voiced strong objections to the SNL skit, arguing it misrepresented Trump supporters. “I hated it, too, and I said it on my show. I know. I hated it,” he stated, specifically criticizing the depiction of a MAGA supporter refusing to shake hands with a Black person.
“You people don’t know MAGA people,” Maher said, acknowledging that while some individuals may hold extreme views, the skit’s premise felt like an unfair caricature.
“All the MAGA people I know have no problem shaking hands with a Black person. You’re just hysterical and you’re not helping,” he added.
Maher, a comedian himself, emphasized the importance of truth in comedy. “It’s a lie that MAGA people won’t shake hands” with a Black person, he said, noting that while exaggeration is part of comedic license, the subject of racism is “a little too delicate” for such broad strokes.
He argued that the skit’s premise felt outdated and disconnected from reality, stating, “It might have rang true X years ago. It doesn’t now.”
Maher’s critique reflects his broader concern that inaccurate portrayals undermine comedy’s effectiveness and fuel division.
The Skit and Its Context
The SNL skit, aired during the show’s 50th anniversary special, featured Tom Hanks as a Trump supporter whose refusal to shake a Black man’s hand was framed as r*cist behavior. The sketch aimed to satirize political divisions but drew criticism for relying on what many saw as a tired stereotype.
Maher suggested that the SNL writers likely viewed the skit as a bold statement, but he found it lacking authenticity.
“As a liberal, I don’t like it. Again, because lying offends me. I’m a comedian, when the premise isn’t real, I can’t go with it,” he explained.
The skit’s timing is notable, coming after the 2024 election, which some observers described as the “least racially divisive” since 1964, with Trump garnering significant minority support.
This context amplified the disconnect between the skit’s narrative and evolving political realities, prompting questions about whether SNL’s writers misjudged their audience or leaned too heavily on outdated tropes.
Public Reaction and Overall Implications
Viewer responses on social media echoed Maher’s sentiments, with many criticizing SNL for perpetuating a narrative that felt out of touch. One user remarked, “This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter. Trump won the popular vote. This tired trope that MAGA is r*cist is disgusting. SNL is an unfunny show.”
Another noted, “Hollywood still doesn’t get it: Portraying Trump supporters as r*cist caricatures while he’s winning record minority support. SNL’s trying 2016 jokes in 2025.” A third highlighted the election’s diversity, stating, “Trump’s 2024 election win was the LEAST racially divisive American election since 1964.”
These reactions suggest a frustration with media portrayals that oversimplify complex political identities. The debate over the skit points to the challenge comedians and writers face in navigating sensitive topics like race and politics without alienating audiences. While SNL aimed for satire, the backlash indicates a need for more nuanced humor that reflects current realities, as Maher advocated. The controversy also raises questions about how entertainment shapes public perceptions and whether such portrayals deepen or bridge political divides.
