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SNL Skit Lampoons Trump’s Tariff Policy and Potential Economic Fallout
In a recent episode, Saturday Night Live (SNL) satirized President Donald Trump’s newly announced global tariffs, echoing concerns among some economists that these policies could trigger economic instability in the United States. The comedy program’s opening sketch parodied Trump’s Rose Garden address from the preceding Wednesday, during which he unveiled tariff rates ranging from 10% to 54% on imported goods. These levies, which would be paid by U.S. importers, have prompted warnings from economic experts about potential increases in consumer prices.
Trump’s Stated Goal: Manufacturing Job Growth
President Trump has asserted that the tariffs are designed to revitalize American manufacturing and bring back employment opportunities, currently located in nations with lower labor expenses.
SNL Depicts Trump’s Tariff Logic
The SNL sketch featured James Austin Johnson impersonating Trump, who conceded the complexity of the tariff calculation formula across different countries but insisted on its ultimate benefit to the economy.
“I understand the numbers, alright?” the fictional Trump declared. “They signify our commitment to Make America Wealthy Again — MAWA!”
‘Make America Great Depression Again’
However, in a comedic twist, the character portraying Trump acknowledged a likely period of economic hardship preceding prosperity, introducing a revised slogan: “Make America Great Depression Again.”
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“It’s going to be a tremendous, unbelievable depression,” the satirical Trump remarked. “We’ll be reduced to consuming domestic animals. It’s going to be enjoyable.”
Satirical Economic Explanation and Elon Musk Cameo
Offering a farcical economic justification for his plan, the SNL Trump stated: “It’s simple economics, folks: If the stock market continually declines, it implies there’s only one direction left—upward, or possibly further downward.”
The sketch incorporated a theme of unwavering optimism, with Johnson’s Trump reassuring the public, “Eventually, your money will vanish, and that’s perfectly acceptable. We’ll resolve it.”
Elon Musk’s Tesla Troubles
Adding to the comedic portrayal, Mike Myers made a guest appearance as Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, interrupting the address to solicit sympathy regarding his challenges as Tesla’s CEO. Tesla had become the target of protests and vandalism, potentially linked to Musk’s participation in workforce reductions within the federal government at Trump’s request.
“Suddenly, Tesla vehicles are unpopular,” Myers’ Musk lamented. “I questioned myself as to the cause, and I concluded: it’s my fault.”
Self-Vandalizing Tesla Model V
Musk then promoted the fictional Tesla Model V – “The inaugural electric vehicle in history engineered for self-vandalism,” equipped with “AI-driven graffiti.”
Despite showcasing this innovative (though satirical) vehicle, Musk voiced skepticism regarding the tariffs’ potential for favorable outcomes.
“I possess significant intellect,” he confidently asserted, “and these tariffs appear exceptionally foolish.”
The complete sketch is available for online viewing. The episode was hosted by Jack Black on NBC, and featured musical performances by Elton John and Brandi Carlile.