Elon Musk Slams ‘Saturday Night Live’ After Mocking Trump Segment
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has spoken out against Saturday Night Live (SNL) after the comedy sketch show mocked him during its November 9, 2024, episode. In a segment poking fun at the aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. election, SNL introduced a parody version of Musk, played by Dana Carvey, which led to an immediate outcry from the tech mogul himself.
The SNL Sketch: A Satirical Take on Musk and Trump
The controversial sketch began with SNL cast member Kenan Thompson delivering a tongue-in-cheek line: “If our planet falls apart, we can all go to Mars with the other man that we love and trust: Elon Musk.” Moments later, Carvey, known for his sharp impersonations, appeared on screen dressed in a dark MAGA hat, mimicking Musk’s public persona. The scene poked fun at Musk’s enthusiasm for Trump and his ongoing defense of the former president, often associating himself with the idea of creating a new home on Mars.
Carvey’s Musk character exaggerated Musk’s energetic rally appearances, with the portrayal featuring a garbled voice and over-the-top gestures. In an attempt to capture Musk's characteristic bombast, Carvey’s Musk declared, “But seriously, I run the country now.” The performance was a satirical nod to the eccentric billionaire’s self-promoted ambitions of influencing both the tech world and politics.
While the sketch was intended to entertain, it quickly sparked controversy, particularly given Musk’s strong public presence and political stance. After the episode aired, Musk wasted no time in taking to Twitter (now X, the social media platform Musk owns) to voice his displeasure.
Musk’s Response: A Personal and Political Retort
Musk’s response was swift and sharp. In a tweet following the broadcast, Musk wrote, “They are so mad that @realDonaldTrump won,” referring to the show’s clear political commentary. Musk was implying that SNL’s mockery of him was rooted in their disappointment over Trump’s victory in the election. He then turned his focus on the portrayal itself, criticizing Dana Carvey’s impersonation of him, claiming, “Dana Carvey just sounds like Dana Carvey,” suggesting the comedic performance missed the mark.
It is not the first time Musk has been publicly critical of how he’s been depicted in the media, but his remarks about SNL’s portrayal were especially pointed. His decision to publicly engage in the drama highlights how sensitive his image has become, given his high profile in the tech and political spheres.
Musk’s Relationship with Saturday Night Live
Musk has had a complicated history with Saturday Night Live. In May 2021, Musk hosted the show in one of its most high-profile and anticipated episodes. As the first individual with Asperger's syndrome to host the show, Musk’s appearance generated significant media buzz. However, the episode was met with mixed reviews. Some fans of Musk lauded his ability to poke fun at his own eccentricities, while others found his comedic style a bit awkward, with some critics accusing him of using the platform to promote his own brand.
During the 2021 episode, Musk also made headlines for a comment about the pronunciation of his child’s name, X Æ A-Xii, which he and musician Grimes had given to their son. While Musk’s hosting duties were ultimately successful in drawing attention to both his personality and his ventures, it also left him open to ridicule and critique, which might have paved the way for his reactions to the more recent SNL segment.
Musk’s Political Involvement: A Divisive Figure
Musk’s political views and public support for Donald Trump have made him a polarizing figure, especially in a Hollywood and entertainment industry largely dominated by liberal voices. His outspoken political stances—ranging from his defense of Trump to his controversial positions on free speech and regulation—have alienated some fans while earning him praise from conservative circles. Musk’s ties to Trump became especially clear during the 2024 U.S. presidential election, when Musk publicly threw his support behind the former president, aligning himself with other high-profile figures like Kelsey Grammer, Hulk Hogan, and Joe Rogan.
This alignment with Trump has fueled tensions, particularly with celebrities in the entertainment industry who supported Trump’s political opponents, including Vice President Kamala Harris. Musk’s continued defense of Trump has solidified his role as one of the leading celebrity figures in the Republican sphere, despite facing criticism from Hollywood’s more progressive factions.
The Celebrity-Driven Political Divide
Musk’s response to the SNL sketch highlights the ongoing cultural and political divide between conservative and liberal elites, especially in Hollywood. This divide is further complicated by the fact that many of the world’s wealthiest and most influential people, such as Musk, are not afraid to express their views on social media, creating direct engagement with the public that bypasses traditional media outlets.
In recent years, the political discourse has increasingly become entangled with celebrity endorsements, which can have a profound impact on public opinion. Musk's high-profile support of Trump underscores the ability of entertainment and tech elites to shape political narratives and sway public sentiment. However, this comes at a cost, as it often leads to alienation from those who disagree with their views.
This clash between Musk and Saturday Night Live also serves as a reminder of the power and influence that satire holds in shaping public perceptions of political figures. SNL, historically a strong voice in political satire, has routinely used humor to critique public figures, including both Trump and Musk. The show’s decision to lampoon Musk in the wake of Trump’s victory reflects the show’s broader commitment to challenging political figures, regardless of their political affiliations.
Musk's Growing Influence in Politics and Pop Culture
As a leading figure in tech and business, Musk's influence extends far beyond the realm of electric cars and space exploration. He has positioned himself as a prominent player in the political conversation, using his platform to comment on issues ranging from free speech to the future of artificial intelligence. Musk’s ongoing public feud with SNL highlights just how entangled his business, political, and cultural personas have become.
His influence over public opinion—especially in the wake of his public criticism of SNL—illustrates how media, business, and politics are increasingly intertwined. Musk has often demonstrated a willingness to challenge conventional norms, whether in tech, politics, or entertainment. His vocal criticism of SNL’s portrayal of him only adds fuel to the fire of his larger-than-life image.
The Broader Impact on Celebrity Culture
Musk’s public response to SNL’s satire further underscores the evolving nature of celebrity culture. Today, public figures like Musk are no longer just influencers in their industries; they are major political players who are often involved in cultural and ideological battles. As more celebrities use their platforms to advance political agendas, the lines between entertainment, business, and politics become increasingly blurred.
For Musk, the confrontation with SNL is just another chapter in his larger narrative of media interactions, political influence, and brand-building. As the billionaire continues to champion his own agenda, whether it’s through political commentary or social media outbursts, it’s clear that he will remain a central figure in both the tech industry and the broader political discourse.
Related: Elon Musk Faces $5 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged $1M-a-Day Election Giveaway Scam
Elon Musk’s Polarizing Public Persona
The spat between Elon Musk and Saturday Night Live illustrates the growing tension between public figures and the media, particularly in a climate where satire and political commentary are deeply intertwined. Musk’s reaction to the SNL sketch is just another chapter in his ongoing journey to navigate the complex worlds of tech, politics, and entertainment. As Musk’s influence continues to expand, it’s clear that his image—both as a visionary entrepreneur and a political figure—will remain a subject of intense public debate and scrutiny for years to come.
