On March 1, 2025, Canadian-born comedian and actor Mike Myers made a notable return to “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), marking his first appearance on the show in a decade. During the episode’s closing moments, Myers stood alongside host Shane Gillis and musical guest Tate McRae, wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with the Canadian flag and the bold statement: “Canada Is Not for Sale.” This sartorial choice was a direct response to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had suggested that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States
Earlier in the episode, Myers participated in the cold open sketch, portraying tech mogul Elon Musk. The skit parodied a tense Oval Office meeting between President Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, portrayed by Mikey Day. Myers’ Musk character humorously interrupted the proceedings, wielding a chainsaw—a nod to Musk’s recent controversial actions—and declaring, “What are you doing in my office? I’m the president now. I’m kidding. Maybe I’m not.”
The “Canada Is Not for Sale” slogan on Myers’ shirt is part of a broader Canadian sentiment opposing Trump’s annexation remarks. The phrase gained traction in January when Ontario Premier Doug Ford donned a hat bearing the same message, styled similarly to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” caps.
Trump’s proposition to incorporate Canada as the 51st state has been met with widespread criticism from Canadian officials and citizens alike. In a Fox News interview last month, Trump stated, “I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen.” He further questioned, “Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?” These comments have fueled debates over U.S.-Canada relations and trade policies.
Myers’ public display of the “Canada Is Not for Sale” message on a prominent American platform like SNL underscores his pride in his Canadian heritage and serves as a subtle yet powerful rebuke to the notion of U.S. annexation. This act of silent protest aligns with a broader movement among Canadians to assert their national identity and sovereignty in the face of external political pressures.
The episode’s cold open, featuring Myers as Musk, received mixed reactions. While some viewers appreciated Myers’ comedic portrayal, others criticized the sketch as tasteless, particularly given the serious nature of the ongoing geopolitical tensions it parodied. Critics took offense at the portrayal of Musk, noting it was inappropriate to make fun of a person with autism, and found Myers’ performance especially off-putting.
Myers’ return to SNL and his choice to wear the “Canada Is Not for Sale” shirt highlight the intersection of comedy and political commentary. By leveraging his platform and celebrity status, Myers brought attention to a contentious political issue, sparking conversations about national sovereignty, international relations, and the role of satire in political discourse. His actions exemplify how entertainers can influence public perception and contribute to political dialogues through subtle yet impactful gestures.
In conclusion, Mike Myers’ appearance on SNL, coupled with his pointed wardrobe choice, served as a cultural moment reflecting the complexities of U.S.-Canada relations. It showcased how comedy can be employed to address serious political issues, allowing audiences to engage with these topics through a different lens. As discussions about national identity and sovereignty continue, such acts of protest within popular media underscore the enduring power of satire and personal expression in shaping public discourse.
