Staff Reports
Mike Myers, once the king of comedy with his iconic Austin Powers and Shrek roles, has landed himself in the middle of a political spectacle that perfectly encapsulates Hollywood’s ongoing identity crisis. During a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” Myers wore a bold “Canada Is Not for Sale” T-shirt, making a not-so-subtle jab at President Trump’s recent threats to slap heavy tariffs on Canadian goods and remarks about making Canada America’s “51st state.” Myers, who hasn’t called Canada home in decades, seemed all too eager to play the role of patriotic expat, gesturing repeatedly to his shirt and mouthing “elbows up,” a phrase now used by Canadian politicians to signal resistance to Trump’s policies.
This episode is just the latest in a long line of Hollywood elites using their platforms to push political messages, often with little connection to the realities faced by everyday citizens. Myers’ grandstanding is particularly rich coming from someone who’s spent years enjoying the perks of American celebrity life while suddenly rediscovering his Canadian roots for a few minutes of applause. The irony is hard to miss: a millionaire actor, far removed from the economic consequences of trade wars or border disputes, using late-night TV to virtue signal about sovereignty and national pride.
Of course, Myers has since defended his stunt, claiming it was about standing up for his “nation” in the face of Elon Musk’s dismissive comments and Trump’s aggressive rhetoric. But for many, this reeks of the same old Hollywood playbook- celebrities parachuting into serious debates, offering slogans instead of solutions, and expecting to be hailed as heroes for their trouble. It’s the classic case of entertainers believing their fame gives them the authority to lecture the rest of us on geopolitics.
Meanwhile, the real issues at stake-like the impact of tariffs on working families and the sovereignty of U.S. trade policy-are drowned out by the spectacle. Myers’ antics may win him applause in the echo chambers of late-night television and social media, but they do little to address the genuine concerns of Americans and Canadians alike. Instead, it’s another reminder that Hollywood’s priorities are often more about self-promotion than substance.
As this latest saga unfolds, one thing is clear: the disconnect between celebrity activism and real-world consequences is alive and well. Myers’ T-shirt moment might make for a viral clip, but for those of us who care about policy over posturing, it’s just more proof that Hollywood never learns-and misses a chance to turn serious issues into a punchline.
