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In a striking portrayal, Saturday Night Live featured a controversial cold open this weekend that compared President Donald Trump to Jesus. The humorous sketch played on religious themes to critique the state of the economy under Trump’s watch.
The sketch began with cast member James Austin Johnson, embodying the exaggerated persona of Trump, declaring, “It’s me, your favorite president, Donald Jesus Trump, comparing myself to the Son of God once again.” This bold introduction set the tone for a satirical exploration of the week’s economic headlines.
Opening with a dramatization that depicted Jesus flipping tables in a temple while chastising merchants for their practices, the scene quickly shifted as Trump interrupted with his characteristic bravado, launching into a monologue that recapped recent economic developments.
In a comical twist, Trump mused, “Many people are calling me the Messiah, because of the mess-I-ah I made out of the economy.” This witty remark highlighted the significant challenges faced by the U.S. economy.
Continuing with the religious overtones, Trump likened the volatile stock market to a resurrection story, quipping, “It’s true, the stock market did a Jesus. It died, then on the third day it was risen. And then on a fourth day, it died again, possibly never to return. Just like Jesus.” Such statements underscored the uncertainties investors grappled with due to the recent economic landscape.
The sketch didn’t shy away from addressing Trump’s recent tariff policies, which sent market values tumbling. Earlier this month, new tariffs took effect, prompting substantial panic among investors. Following this tumultuous period, the White House announced a 90-day pause on many tariffs while renegotiating trade deals—an effort that provided only temporary relief for the stock market.
About inflation, the sketch took another jab, particularly at skyrocketing egg prices, connecting the humor of Easter traditions to real economic struggles. The faux-Trump character remarked, “We love Easter. We love bunnies. We love hunting for eggs, just like everyone’s doing in the grocery store right now. Because they cost a trillion billion dollars,” prompting laughter from the audience.
Moreover, Trump quipped, “I thought that was what the whole campaign was about. But I just can’t crack it,” adding a lighthearted jab at soaring costs.
While the actual Trump referred to rising egg prices in his recent joint address to Congress, placing blame on President Biden, SNL’s rendition questioned both his economic strategies and his earnestness in his religious claims.
In further comedic moments, Johnson’s impersonation of Trump commented on Easter church attendance. Fake Trump stated, “Easter mass is always packed, right? And you know what’s sad? Some people only go to church on Christmas and Easter,” before adding humorously, “Not me! I don’t go on those days either.” This joke poked fun at selective religious participation.
The sketch wrapped up with a final Easter-themed punchline: “In the holiest of seasons, Easter, let us remember the lesson Mr. Jesus taught… we must never mix religion with commerce.” This statement captured the essence of the parody, underscoring the ridiculousness of intertwining faith with the marketplace.
In an ironic twist, Trump concluded by referencing the so-called “Trump Bible,” claiming, “You can read all about that in my Trump Bible.” This quip served as a humorous commentary on his well-known affinity for capitalist ventures.
SNL’s Easter sketch not only entertained viewers but also sparked discussions about the intersection of politics, faith, and the economy. By employing religious imagery in a playful context, the show captured the prevailing anxieties regarding economic policies and their implications for everyday Americans.
As the nation navigates a challenging economic landscape, such performances remind audiences of the importance of addressing serious issues with humor, while also holding public figures accountable for their actions. While SNL has often pushed boundaries with political satire, this latest sketch adeptly blended humor with poignant critiques of current affairs.
Ultimately, the SNL sketch highlights how comedy can serve as a mirror to society, reflecting both the absurdity and gravity of contemporary issues. As Trump continues to maintain a prominent role in American political discourse, the intersection of his policies with religious imagery will likely remain a fertile ground for satire.