TODAY’S PAPER | April 28, 2026 | EPAPER

Ben Stiller faces MAGA backlash over ‘got it done’ post after Washington shooting

Ben Stiller’s Knicks post sparks MAGA backlash amid confusion after White House Correspondents’ dinner shooting


Pop Culture & Art April 28, 2026 1 min read

Actor Ben Stiller has come under fire from MAGA supporters after a social media post was misinterpreted as being linked to a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

On April 23, Stiller posted “Got it done” on X, celebrating the New York Knicks securing a playoff win. However, the timing of the post coincided with reports of shots fired near the Washington Hilton, where attendees of the high-profile dinner — including President Donald Trump — were present and later evacuated.

The coincidence sparked confusion online, with some users and political figures suggesting the actor’s message was referencing the unfolding security incident rather than the basketball game.

Criticism quickly followed from MAGA-aligned figures, including Rep. Nancy Mace and former Trump administration official Ric Grenell, who questioned the intent behind the post. Others accused Stiller of deliberately making a political statement, while supporters argued the comment was clearly related to sports and unrelated to the attack.

Authorities have identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, and investigations into the incident remain ongoing. Officials have not indicated any connection between Stiller or his post and the shooting.

Despite the backlash, Stiller appeared to remain unfazed, responding the following day with a simple salute emoji on social media.

The incident highlights how rapidly online narratives can escalate during breaking news events, particularly when unrelated posts overlap with major political or security developments.

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