Saturday Night Live has come under fire from left-leaning critic Bill Maher for spreading untrue stereotypes about Trump supporters. In stark contrast to the politically charged comedy show’s portrayal, the HBO host’s unexpected defense of MAGA Americans underscores the widening divide between conservative average citizens and liberal media elites.
Maher Calls Out SNL’s “Zombie Lie” About Trump Supporters
During his podcast with Jillian Michaels, Bill Maher targeted SNL’s 50th anniversary special sketch featuring Tom Hanks as “Doug,” a MAGA-hat wearing character on “Black Jeopardy.” The comedian specifically criticized the portrayal of Trump supporters as racists unwilling to shake hands with Black people, calling it a persistent but false narrative that liberal writers continue to push.
🚨NEW: Bill Maher UNLOADS on SNL for sketch portraying Trump supporters as racist🚨
"I hated it — wearing the MAGA hat, not shaking hands with a black person. And that's when I thought, 'You people don't know MAGA people.'"
"Mostly what I hate is it's what I call a zombie lie.… pic.twitter.com/wy5g4RizX9
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) May 18, 2025
Maher’s criticism centered on a “zombie lie” – an outdated stereotype that persists despite being demonstrably false. “I hated it too, and I said it on my show,” Maher stated, referring to the SNL skit, “Wearing the MAGA hat, not shaking hands with a Black person. And that’s when I thought, ‘You people don’t know MAGA people.'”
Hollywood’s Disconnect From Trump’s Diverse Coalition
The criticism comes when Trump’s electoral success has demonstrated his broad appeal across various demographic groups. SNL’s portrayal seems particularly tone-deaf given Trump’s recent popular vote victory and increasing support among minority voters, contradicting the show’s stereotypical characterization of his supporters.
🇺🇸 MAHER SHREDS TOM HANKS MAGA SKIT: “SNL IS STUCK IN 2016”
Bill Maher ripped SNL for trotting out Tom Hanks in a MAGA hat to play a cartoon racist in their 50th anniversary cringe-fest.
He called it a “zombie lie” – a dead stereotype liberal writers keep dragging around… https://t.co/n9zZ6IZFPh pic.twitter.com/2EOiqzbzZQ
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 20, 2025
Former Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aide Link Lauren joined other critics in accusing SNL of pushing tired tropes, contributing to the show’s declining ratings. The backlash from Trump supporters has been swift, with many pointing to SNL’s diminishing viewership as evidence of its growing disconnect from mainstream American audiences.
Comedy Should Contain Truth, Not Just Political Bias
Maher emphasized that effective comedy must contain elements of truth rather than merely reinforcing political biases. “It’s a lie that MAGA people won’t shake hands with – I get it, it’s part of a skit, and it’s exaggeration, and that’s comedy,” Maher explained, before adding, “It’s a little too delicate a subject to just make – to go there for that one.”
“You know, look, we all in comedy step over the line sometimes or do one they want to take back. I doubt if they want to take that one back. I think they probably think it’s great.”
The controversy reflects a broader cultural divide in American entertainment, where coastal media elites continue creating content that mocks and misrepresents heartland conservatives. While SNL’s writers may believe their portrayals are justified, Maher’s critique suggests such “hysterical” characterizations ultimately undermine the very causes liberals claim to champion by further alienating millions of Americans who support President Trump.