Donald Trump Prepares Cold Open - SNL In this hilarious cold open from Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin reprises his role as Donald Trump, showcasing the former president's comical panic as he grapples with fulfilling his campaign promises. The skit, part of SNL's Season 42 aired in November 2016, provides a satirical look at Trump's transition to the presidency.
Summary of the Skit
As the scene unfolds, Trump, surrounded by his team, reflects on the raging public sentiments about his cabinet picks. Despite receiving some praise from notable figures (albeit comedically skewed), Trump struggles to find confidence in his selections, leading to a series of humorous interactions. Notably, one jaw-dropping moment comes when Trump searches "Isis" on Google and Siri's ridiculous suggestion to "kill Isis" encapsulates his simplistic problem-solving approach. The dialogue is packed with political satire. SNL's take on Trump's character shines through moments like Mike Pence's attempts to shield Trump from his own controversial plans, only for Trump to comically consider scrapping major policies altogether. A recurring comedic theme is the trope of Trump appearing clueless despite his authoritative role, adding layers to the humor.
Key Moments
KELLY ANN’S Reports: Trump’s assistant Kelly Ann Conway updates him on social media reactions, reinforcing the ridiculousness of Trump's reliance on public approval.
General Dunlap’s Warning: Trump’s brief interaction with military personnel turns humorous as they express both admiration and impatience concerning his elusive "secret plan" against ISIS.
The Wall: A funny back-and-forth about the feasibility of Trump's proposed wall on the Mexican border, highlighting the absurdity of his promises.
The Impact in Context
This skit is emblematic of SNL's tradition of using humor as commentary on political events. As we look back in 2024, it’s clear that this sketch reflected not only the uncertainties of the Trump administration but also framed public discourse in a comedic manner that resonated with many Americans during a tumultuous election year.
Join the Discussion!
What are your thoughts on how SNL's political sketches influence public perception? Did this segment resonate with you when it aired, or do you see its impact differently now? Feel free to share your experiences or highlight any other SNL moments you found particularly striking!