Dana Carvey appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher on March 21, 2025, showcasing his comedic flair by performing impressions of notable figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk. During the episode, he acknowledged that he is still perfecting his impression of Musk, especially following the billionaire's apparent disapproval of his portrayal during a November 2024 episode of Saturday Night Live.
As Carvey described his impression technique, he humorously noted, "So, Trump’s there, and he’s got the tie, and then Elon is up there talking, right? I don’t really do it yet, but I’m working on it." He proceeded to impersonate Musk's distinct mumbling tone with a humorous take, stating: "We got to go to Mars, because we can’t sustain life on planet Earth. We gotta go to Mars, it’s just gonna be really cool, OK? Mhm, mhm, mhm."
Switching gears, Carvey then switched to his Trump impersonation, quipping, "What he said. He’s a smart cookie, he’s a tough cookie, he’s a Cookie Monster. This one, he’s smart. Everybody talks about it. He’s like Chips Ahoy."
After debuting his Musk impression on SNL, Musk took to his social platform X the following day to voice his criticism. He remarked on his platform, "They are so mad that @realDonaldTrump won," and added, "Dana Carvey just sounds like Dana Carvey." Musk also didn’t shy away from a broader criticism of the iconic sketch comedy show, stating, "SNL has been dying slowly for years, as they become increasingly out of touch with reality."
In a moment of humility, Carvey admitted during his appearance on his Superfly podcast, "I can’t do Elon Musk very well." He elaborated further on Musk's unique accent, saying, "He has an incredible accent — South Africa via Canada, via Pennsylvania. It’s almost like, it’s a little bit of Australian in there, a little bit of British, but he’s not totally that."
Not only did Carvey focus on Musk and Trump, but he also showcased an array of other impressions during his engaging session with Maher. The comedian proved his versatility by mimicking political figures and cultural icons, including Joe Biden, RFK Jr., JFK, Johnny Carson, Bill Gates, Gollum, Woody Allen, and Paul McCartney. His ability to oscillate between various characters highlighted his lasting relevance and talent in the entertainment industry.
Viewers can catch the full clips of Carvey's impressions on Real Time from last night’s show, available through various media outlets. As social media response pours in, it’s clear that Carvey’s blend of humor and critical impressions continues to entertain audiences while navigating the sometimes tricky waters of public perception.
