In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, the comedic team took a sharp jab at former President Donald Trump, imagining him in the role of the next Pope. This satire came on the heels of Trump's controversial claims regarding the state of the economy, where he urged Americans to "be patient" despite widespread financial struggles. Colin Jost, one of the show's anchors, humorously remarked, “Well, guys, it happened. Last night, Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as the Pope, apparently ordering a one-way ticket to hell.”
Jost continued with his biting humor, questioning the appropriateness of Trump's actions, stating, “Who posts a photo of themselves dressed as a guy who died a week ago? Trump was at the Pope’s funeral. That means he walked past an open casket and was like, ‘We should do a Who Wore It Best.'” This line not only showcased the absurdity of Trump's self-promotion but also highlighted the show's knack for blending humor with social commentary.
As a Catholic, Jost expressed his discomfort with Trump's photo, labeling it as "really disrespectful." He added, “Also, if Trump really wants to be Pope, he should probably stay away from JD Vance.” This commentary not only critiques Trump's choices but also connects to ongoing discussions about his political alliances.
Co-anchor Michael Che transitioned to the economy, mocking Trump’s plea for patience from the American public amidst a contracting economy. Che quipped, “If his brain gets any worse, he’s going to be patient,” while an image of Trump in a mental health facility appeared on screen. This visual gag reinforced the show's humorous approach to serious topics.
In another segment addressing Trump's remarks about the economy, Jost reacted to the former president's statement during a Cabinet meeting. Trump had claimed that, due to his tariffs, children might only receive “two dolls instead of 30” this Christmas. Jost humorously responded, “Now I rarely talk directly to the president, but you listen, and you listen good: If I wake up on Christmas morning and run downstairs to find only two dolls under my tree, I will lose my f—ing mind.”
He expressed his frustration further, saying, “There better be a second tree with 28 dolls. And you know what? I’ve put up with a lot under Trump so far. He might be cutting social security. Okay, they’re old. Screw ’em. He’s deporting innocent kids? They’ve gotta grow up some time. But if only two dolls show up when I’ve made tea for thirty? Oh hell, no!” This over-the-top reaction perfectly encapsulated the comedic style of SNL while also addressing real concerns about economic policies affecting families.
Che also took the opportunity to riff on Elon Musk stepping back from his role in DOGE, stating, “But as always, Elon pulled out a little too late.” This quip not only poked fun at Musk’s business moves but also resonated with viewers who follow both the tech and political landscapes.
Through its sharp humor and relevant commentary, Saturday Night Live continues to be a platform where political figures like Donald Trump are scrutinized, making it a vital part of the contemporary media landscape. The show's ability to seamlessly blend entertainment with social critique ensures it remains a staple in American pop culture.
