“SNL’s” Trump Says ‘Stock Market Did a Jesus’ in Easter Sketch Mocking Tariffs: ‘It Died Then on the Third Day It Was Risen’

In an Easter-themed sketch on Saturday Night Live, James Austin Johnson took a humorous jab at President Donald Trump’s tariffs policy. In the sketch, Johnson’s Trump character likened himself to Jesus Christ, jokingly claiming that the economy mess he created had people calling him the Messiah. The character went on to poke fun at the global impact of the tariff policy, mentioning the stock market’s fluctuations and the wealth transfer that occurred.

The cold open of the SNL episode featured Mikey Day as Jesus Christ, along with a cast of disciples, freezing in place as James Austin Johnson entered as Trump. Drawing parallels between Trump’s actions and the Biblical narrative, the sketch highlighted the absurdity of the tariff pause and its consequences. Johnson’s Trump character cheekily referred to himself as “Donald Jesus Trump” and made light of the economic turmoil caused by his policies.

Mocking those who use religious references to express economic frustrations, SNL’s Trump character delivered lines that satirised the state of the economy and the reactions of world leaders. The sketch also touched on the seasonal theme of Easter, with jokes about shopping for eggs and the commercialisation of religious holidays. The use of humour to critique current events and political decisions is a staple of Saturday Night Live’s comedy sketches.

Alongside the Trump parody, SNL’s Weekend Update segment featured Colin Jost, Michael Che and Bowen Yang as Chen Biao, further poking fun at the tariffs pause and its implications. The comedic take on real-world events provides a satirical perspective on the administration’s policies and decisions. The recurring theme of political satire in SNL’s sketches offers viewers a lighthearted yet critical view of current affairs.

The sketch on SNL comes at a time when President Donald Trump faced bipartisan criticism over his tariff plan, which he defended as beneficial to the US economy. The decision to pause tariffs for most nations, excluding China, stirred debate and scrutiny. Amid political changes and policy decisions, SNL’s comedic portrayal adds a layer of entertainment to the ongoing news cycle, providing viewers with a humorous take on serious issues.

The political parody on SNL reflects the show’s commitment to blending comedy with social commentary. Through exaggerated characters and witty dialogue, SNL entertains audiences while also highlighting societal issues and political controversies. The mix of humour and satire serves as a platform for public discourse and reflection on the actions of political figures, engaging viewers in a unique way.

As SNL continues to draw on current events for comedic inspiration, the show remains a cultural touchstone for satirical commentary. By lampooning political figures and policies, SNL invites viewers to consider the implications of real-world events through a lens of humour. The Easter sketch featuring James Austin Johnson’s Trump character is just one example of SNL’s ongoing efforts to entertain and provoke thought on the contemporary political landscape.

In closing, the satire and humour of SNL’s sketches provide a comedic outlet for viewers to engage with complex issues in a lighter tone. By using parody and exaggeration, SNL navigates the delicate balance between entertainment and social commentary, inviting audiences to reflect on the absurdities of politics and policy-making in a playful and engaging manner.