Trump’s Stern Warning to SNL Cast
The latest episode of Saturday Night Live kicked off with a buzzworthy cold open featuring former President Donald Trump delivering a stern message to the cast: don’t be mean to him—or else. This satirical sketch combined humor with sharp political commentary, leaving viewers both amused and reflective about the state of American politics.
James Austin Johnson’s Spot-On Trump Impression
The cold open began with James Austin Johnson reprising his acclaimed portrayal of Trump, sitting at a gilded desk reminiscent of the Oval Office. With his exaggerated gestures and signature cadence, Johnson’s Trump broke the fourth wall, addressing the SNL cast directly in a surreal yet fitting moment.
“I know you’re going to do your little skits tonight,” Johnson’s Trump said, leaning into the camera. “But if you’re mean to me, there will be consequences. Big consequences. The biggest consequences you’ve ever seen.”
A Montage of SNL’s Trump History
The sketch transitioned to a montage of past SNL portrayals of Trump, including Alec Baldwin’s iconic take, interspersed with clips of real-life Trump speeches and tweets. The message was clear: SNL has a long history of mocking Trump, and he’s not happy about it.
Absurd Threats and Surreal Humor
The sketch took a surreal turn as Trump’s warnings escalated into increasingly absurd threats. “I’ll sue everyone—the writers, producers, even the guy who brings the coffee,” Johnson’s Trump declared. “If that doesn’t work, I’ll start my own show. Trump Live. It’ll be huge. The best show. Everyone will watch it.”
The audience roared with laughter as Trump claimed he would “declassify all the jokes” and release them to the public, adding, “It’s going to be bigger than Watergate.”
Bowen Yang’s Cameo as Kim Jong-un
The sketch also featured a cameo from Bowen Yang as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who offered Trump advice on handling comedians. “You just have to execute them,” Yang’s Kim said with a deadpan expression, sparking another wave of laughter.
A Final Warning and Social Media Buzz
As the cold open concluded, Johnson’s Trump issued a final warning: “Remember, I’m watching. If you’re mean to me, you’ll regret it more than Sleepy Joe regrets running for president.” The sketch ended with Trump dramatically slamming a binder labeled “SNL Jokes” shut.
Social media erupted with reactions, praising Johnson’s impression and the show’s clever satire. Many noted the timing of the sketch, which aired just days after Trump announced his 2024 presidential campaign.
SNL’s Enduring Cultural Influence
The cold open underscored SNL’s ability to remain relevant by tackling current events with wit and creativity. Whether you love it or hate it, the show continues to shape cultural and political conversations like few other programs.
As the 2024 election approaches, expect more sharp political satire from SNL. Will the cast heed Trump’s warning—or keep mocking one of America’s most polarizing figures? Stay tuned for more updates on the intersection of politics and pop culture.
