SNL has long been a target of U.S. President Donald Trump’s ire, though his disdain for late-night comedy has evolved over time. While few of his statements on SNL are favorable, his earlier stints as host in 2004 and 2015 suggest he was more aligned with Republican interests. In 2015, when he hosted “SNL,” NBC defended the decision, citing his high ratings and political influence. During a press tour in 2016, then-NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt called him ‘toxic’ and ‘demented,’ highlighting the backlash. However, later reports indicate that the show’s success was due to its content, not the host’s personal qualities. Trump has repeatedly criticized the show as being too political, lacking talent, and a tool for the Democratic Party, echoing his views on late-night talk hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. With Season 51 set to begin Saturday, and recent settlements with media companies, the focus will shift toward how the show mocks and satirizes Trump and his policies. In 2025, “SNL” celebrated its 50th anniversary with specials, continuing its decades-long tradition of political parody. The first appearance of actor Alec Baldwin on SNL came in 1988, marking a recurring theme of portraying Trump in comedic roles. Since then, actors and cast members have frequently turned their careers around to support the president, including Alec Baldwin who took over from Darrell Hammond in 2016. Despite Trump’s initial criticism of Baldwin’s portrayal, he acknowledged his impersonator’s poor performance as a reason for his career’s decline. In 2022, when he hosted the show, the ratings were described as ‘huge,’ but they have since tapered off. The most-watched season saw viewership averaging over 8 million, underscoring SNL’s enduring appeal. Trump’s final remarks emphasized that the show continues to mock him, even without significant retribution, calling it a form of political satire. He also referenced Lorne Michaels as an angry, exhausted creator who once believed the show was good but now sees it as outdated. As per reports from the Daily Beast, Trump has taken a step beyond airing grievances online, asking advisors about FCC investigations into SNL and other comedians. However, no formal actions were taken. In 2024, the “Weekend Update” segment, which focuses on political skewers, had a different approach than before, with Kamala Harris appearing on an episode just days before the election. This suggests that the cast supported Trump despite his opposition. The new impression, “Hot Jacked Trump,” features James Austin Johnson as a muscle tee and headband, reflecting the show’s evolving themes. Michael Che, the executive producer, has continued to portray Trump in the role for Season 51, mirroring his speech patterns. His portrayal highlights the tension between political humor and audience engagement.
