The Shrek actor has been praised for his powerful message
While Mike Myers is best known for iconic roles like Austin Powers and the voice of Shrek, it seems he might also be remembered for his unforgettable portrayal of Elon Musk. Although Dana Carvey has taken a shot at playing the eccentric billionaire on Saturday Night Live, Myers’ take on the world’s richest man is on a whole different level.
In the wake of a tense and awkward meeting between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, it was only a matter of time before the satirical geniuses at SNL had their fun. After all, Alec Baldwin’s Trump impersonation became a staple of the show.
Musk himself once took the stage as an SNL host, but just four years later, much has changed. The Tesla mogul isn’t exactly a fan of Myers’ take on him. Critics suggest Musk needs to ease up a bit, especially after SNL mocked him by wielding a chainsaw while cracking jokes about a ‘President Musk’, his infamous plane flips, and the youthful staff at the Department of Government Efficiency. But the satire didn’t stop there. Myers was later spotted rocking a t-shirt that boldly declared, “Canada is not for sale,” taking another jab at Musk in true SNL fashion.
Standing alongside host Shane Gillis and musical guest Tate McRae, Mike Myers made a bold statement by sporting a black t-shirt emblazoned with Canada’s iconic red and white flag. As the credits rolled, Myers could also be seen mouthing the phrase “elbows up,” a term typically used in sports to remind players to protect themselves.
“Elbows up” has since taken off, appearing on merchandise, in social media posts, and even used by Canadian politicians in response to former President Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. The phrase has become a rallying cry, symbolizing a defiant stance against Trump’s policies.
It’s clear Myers is sending a message: Canada—and its people—should stand firm against the POTUS. His political commentary follows Trump’s controversial remarks about imposing taxes on Canada and his repeated suggestions of making it the 51st state. These fears were amplified when a Google error briefly led people to believe Canada was already being absorbed into the U.S. Given that Myers hails from Toronto, it’s no surprise that he feels passionately about the notion of Trump attempting to “colonize” Canada.
In a February 2025 interview with Fox News, former President Trump reignited tensions with Canada, stating, “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. Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?” Although the exact figure remains unclear, it’s widely believed that Trump was referring to defense spending and the ongoing trade deficit.
Mike Myers’ stance against Trump’s rhetoric was met with widespread support, including from Catherine McKenna, Canada’s former Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who tweeted: “Mike Myers playing Elon Musk on SNL and then busting out a CANADA IS NOT FOR SALE SHIRT at the end of the show is exactly the energy we need right now. 🤛❤️🇨🇦.”
Another fan expressed, “Mike Myers wearing a ‘Canada is not for sale’ T-shirt and signalling to keep your elbows up during the sign-off of SNL last night was one of the most Canadian things I’ve ever seen. #ElbowsUp.” A third supporter added, “There are a lot of famous Canadians living in the United States. I’ve been wondering when they’ll start speaking up in defense of Canada. We know it’s a hard thing to do, but they know it’s the right thing to do. I hope Mike Myers is the beginning of a tidal wave. Be like Mike.”
With these powerful endorsements, it’s clear that Myers’ bold gesture is resonating with many who feel it’s time for Canadians—especially those in the public eye—to stand up for their country.
