William Shatner Claps Back at Stephen Miller With Hilarious ‘Star Trek’ Response
William Shatner showed he still has his trademark humor this week during a viral back-and-forth with White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller.
The exchange started after Miller criticized a clip from the newly released series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Miller had shared a post from End Wokeness that mocked the appearance of cast members Tricia Black, Gina Yashere, and Holly Hunter, calling them “beyond parody.”
Miller added his own comment, writing, “Tragic. But it’s not too late for @paramountplus to save the franchise. Step 1: Reconcile with @WilliamShatner and give him total creative control.”
Rather than taking the comment seriously, the 94-year-old actor responded with humor. He focused on a futuristic prop detail, joking about a problem in the series.
“The fact that they have not cure Hyperopia by the 32rd Century is an abysmal oversight on the writers!” Shatner wrote on Monday. He continued to poke fun at the show’s budget, saying, “Also @paramountplus needs to up the budget because I’m sure that a well oiled organization like Starfleet in the distant future could afford more than one pair of glasses for at least this hyperopic bridge crew.”
Shatner kept the joke going, suggesting the crew might have to share the glasses to operate the ship. “Shame on the line producers! That is what you meant, right‽ I am ready to assume command of the series! Call me!” he added. Miller ignored the sarcasm and repeated his request for Paramount to “make amends with Shatner.”
😳 😱
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) January 19, 2026
I am so on the same page with you @StephenM!
The fact that they have not cure Hyperopia by the 32rd Century is an abysmal oversight on the writers!😤
Also @paramountplus needs to up the budget because I’m sure that a well oiled organization like Starfleet in the distant… https://t.co/96MtYUGGWf
The clip had also drawn attention from Elon Musk, who mocked the cast’s appearance on social media. “Turns out they banned Ozempic and LASIK in the future lol,” Musk posted. Tricia Black, who plays Lt. Rork, responded on Instagram, saying she was “comfortable in my skin” and found it funny that the billionaire reused a common joke.
Turns out they banned Ozempic and LASIK in the future lol https://t.co/5Sjhu3XAy4
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 11, 2026
The conversation comes as Star Trek continues its tradition of progressive storytelling, dating back to creator Gene Roddenberry in the 1960s. Shatner originated the role of Captain James T. Kirk, which he played for decades until his character’s death in 1994’s Star Trek: Generations. Although Shatner generally avoids political commentary, he has previously spoken out against terms like “cisgender,” calling it a “slur & term of harassment” in 2020.
Even at 94, Shatner remains active in entertainment. He became the oldest person to fly to space in 2021 aboard a Blue Origin capsule and currently hosts The UnXplained on the History Channel, exploring strange phenomena.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiered last week on Paramount+ and is set in the 32nd century, following a new class of cadets at the legendary academy. The series stars Holly Hunter as the Chancellor and features Paul Giamatti as the main antagonist. It picks up narrative threads from Star Trek: Discovery and has already been renewed for a second season despite mixed online reactions.
Critics have said the series is “admirable in its ambitions but shaky in its execution,” while praising the cast’s charm. The show blends classic sci-fi action with a coming-of-age story for a younger generation of cadets.
The playful exchange between Shatner and Miller has reignited discussion online, with many fans joking about whether Shatner should return to take control of the Star Trek universe.
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