Saturday Night Live has sparked backlash after sharing a July 4-themed sketch featuring comedian Nate Bargatze, who faced calls to be 'cancelled' for attending President Donald Trump's 80th birthday party and White House UFC fight.
Sketch rekindles controversy
The sketch, titled 'Washington's Dream,' originally aired on NBC in 2023 when Bargatze hosted the show. In it, he plays George Washington during the Revolutionary War, ignoring questions about slavery while ranting about English language quirks. SNL reposted the clip on Instagram for Independence Day 2026, prompting a flood of criticism.
Followers labelled the post 'tone deaf' and called for Bargatze to be 'cancelled.' One user wrote: 'Not the best time to post this SNL especially if Nate is involved.' Another commented: 'Read the room SNL.' A third said: 'Used to really like this guy until he showed up supporting DT. I have a different perspective of him now.'
Bargatze's political controversy
The backlash stems from Bargatze's attendance at the White House UFC fight, which also served as Trump's 80th birthday celebration. The comedian, known for avoiding politics in his stand-up, was photographed with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Cheryl Hines. A source told the Daily Beast that Bargatze, 47, is 'not political' but attended because he is a UFC fan.
Despite the controversy, SNL's Washington sketch has been popular enough to warrant a second version in 2024. In the skit, Kenan Thompson's character repeatedly asks about the fate of slaves, only to be ignored by Bargatze's Washington, who instead rhapsodizes about 'liberty.'
Fan reactions and impact
The Instagram comments section filled with criticism from traditionally left-leaning fans. Many expressed disappointment, with some saying they had lost respect for Bargatze. Metro contacted SNL and Bargatze for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between entertainers and political affiliations, as audiences increasingly scrutinize celebrities for their associations.
