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Amid tariff chaos, ‘SNL’ mocks ‘The White Potus’ Donald Trump and his Cabinet

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On certain “Saturday Night Live” episodes, there’s a buzz in the air due to the debut of a new host, just as we experienced a few weeks back when Oscar-winning talent Mikey Madison took the stage for the first time.

Sometimes, it’s enjoyable to anticipate a comfort-food episode, knowing you’ll likely enjoy what’s on offer. In his fourth appearance as host, “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm (who was there to promote his new Apple TV+ show “Your Friends & Neighbors”) didn’t need to prove himself; he just needed to continue delivering the solid performances we’ve come to expect from him, given his 14 (!) previous appearances since his last hosting gig in 2010. During the monologue, Jon discussed his numerous cameos before being joined on stage by Oscar winner Kieran Culkin.

The program commenced powerfully, opening with a game-show skit starring a family man and accomplished dentist, Hamm, who is petrified of making a fool of himself. Predictably, he quickly falls into this predicament. Hamm additionally appeared as the co-host in a segment about a financial news network for us struggling with our finances; a police officer yearning for pizza in a “Please Don’t Destroy” video; half of a same-sex couple who refuse to disclose how they suddenly acquired a newborn daughter, or why she resembles Lizzo; a fresh hire whose parents were part of the “Jackass” crew; and an ambassador for a herpes treatment drug.

However, the most memorable part of the episode was a lengthy, humorous spoof of “The White Lotus,” where Hamm had a limited appearance.

Even though Hamm delivered a strong performance throughout, many parts of the show beyond its midpoint failed to match his skills.

Artist Lizzo, during her performance, wore two T-shirts that said “Terrified” and “Black women were right.” Her set included a mix of songs titled “Love in Real Life / Still Bad” and “Don’t Make Me Love You.

This week’s opening scene was a revisit to a Last Supper skit from two years past, where President Trump (portrayed by James Austin Johnson) interrupted a Biblical sketch featuring Mikey Day as Jesus, giving an extended speech while the rest of the cast stayed still. This time around, Trump discussed the economy and likened himself to the messiah, saying “Because of the mess-I-a I made out of the economy.” He compared the stock market to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, stating that it died, came back to life on the third day, and then died again on the fourth. Just like in the earlier Easter sketch, Trump criticized the frozen cast members individually, including Day, Emil Wakim, Sarah Sherman, Ego Nwodim, and Kenan Thompson. In a repeat of the original scene, Thompson said “Yeah, I’m leaving,” and exited before receiving any of Trump’s ridicule.

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In the soliloquy, Hamm portrayed an egoistic version of himself, who mentioned his own Wikipedia page, listing 14 cameos on “SNL” since 2010. A brief snippet of these episodes followed, and Hamm remarked, “Whenever they invite me to appear on the show, I accept. I find it amusing watching myself.” Hamm opined that cameos can add zest to a sketch or revive a dull monologue, and at that instant, Kieren Culkin, who recently won an Oscar for “A Real Pain,” joined him. They debated over whether “Mad Men” surpasses “Succession”, Hamm requested Culkin to hand over his Oscar, and Culkin responded by bringing up old paparazzi photos of Hamm in sweatpants, which was quite a topic of discussion more than ten years ago.

Best sketch of the night: Cameos aplenty on “The White Potus”

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As an enthusiast, I can’t help but express my appreciation for Saturday Night Live’s parody of The White Lotus’ third season, which incorporated previous cast members and another Trump-centric segment. In this portrayal, the esteemed actor Kenan Thompson took on the role of the Ratliff patriarch, grappling with a self-induced economic crisis, while Chloe Fineman brilliantly transformed into Melania Trump, adopting a thick North Carolina accent reminiscent of Parker Posey’s.

In this humorous scene, Donald Trump Jr., played by Day, and Eric, portrayed by Alex Moffat, shared an amusing moment involving a Rolex. As Eric humorously quipped, “You said it’s about time,” they concocted a blended shake from the luxury watch. The sketch concluded with a witty reference to Tiger Woods’ recently announced relationship with Don Jr.’s ex-wife Vanessa, as Thompson stepped into the role of Tiger Woods in bed.

Other notable figures in this skit included Scarlett Johansson, returning cast members Punkee Johnson and Beck Bennett, who reprised his role as a shirtless Vladimir Putin, and Hamm, portraying a frenzied Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The sketch’s most delightful surprise? A cameo from actual White Lotus cast member Jon Gries, who played Greg Hunt in the show.

While the sketch may not have carried a profound message, it skillfully captured the visual language and tone of the original series.

Also good: In this economy, candy bars went from “Sure, baby,” to “put that back”

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On the Financial News Network Channel, two presenters (Hamm and Nwodim), one donned in a Kohl’s suit, delve into global financial crisis updates, yet struggle to grasp them. “Sounds like nonsense to me,” Nwodim remarks about S&P 500 data. Instead, they focus on the escalating costs of Mac & Cheese boxes, Bisquick, and candy bars, now unaffordable for children’s purchases. Thompson emerges as a reporter suggesting domestic alternatives to imported goods such as Perrier, like “Uncle Bubble,” brewed from Tennessee tap water. Andrew Dismukes is depicted as a collector of Funko Pop figurines, eagerly awaiting a substantial return. The sketch’s funniest moment occurs when the hosts burst into laughter at the prospect of repaying student loans, singing in unison, “Never gonna get it, never gonna get it.

‘Weekend Update’ winner: Chen Biao is back with “Peasant Elegy”

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This week’s episode featured three guest appearances, with Wakim exploring whether Americans should acknowledge their privileged position and Sherman portraying Colin Jost’s eccentric accountant. However, it was Bowen Yang’s comeback as Chinese trade minister Chen Biao that stole the show, criticizing Americans during Trump’s ongoing trade war. “145%, quite a catchy number, buddy,” he quipped. “Which nation is more resilient to endure suffering for their national pride? The one with centuries of history or the one planning to send Katy Perry into space?” Biao remarked. He added that Americans rely heavily on Chinese technology but China can manage without American exports such as Newman’s Own salad dressing. In conclusion, Biao extended his congratulations to Glenn Close for winning a “Chinese Oscar” for “Pleasant Elegy,” subtly jabbing at vice-president JD Vance and his recent comments about the Chinese people, referencing his book, “Hillbilly Elegy.

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2025-04-13 10:01

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