During the December 20 episode of “Saturday Night Live,” James Austin Johnson delivered a hilarious portrayal of President Trump in a cold open that satirized various aspects of his administration. The sketch took particular aim at Trump’s recent primetime address, upcoming announcements, and ongoing controversies, including the release of additional Epstein documents.
In a comical twist, Johnson-as-Trump announced the “Patriot Games,” a new initiative aimed at engaging elite high school athletes at the White House. “I almost forgot: I’m getting my own Hunger Games,” he quipped, highlighting the absurdity of hosting such an event as a distraction from pressing issues like the Epstein files. His mock proposal included inviting teenagers to the White House, poking fun at Trump’s often controversial methods of addressing public scrutiny.
As the sketch continued, Johnson’s Trump downplayed concerns about the nation’s economic state, asserting, “The economy is fine, all right? The economy’s fine. It’s getting closer to fine.” He added a humorous nod to music, referencing the Indigo Girls and mixing up details about well-known artists.
Additionally, the fictional President Trump proposed renaming cultural landmarks, such as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, to include his own name. “We are renaming the Kennedy Center… to the Trump Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” he announced, playfully justifying the name changes by referencing how many times his name had been redacted from sensitive documents.
This sketch demonstrates “Saturday Night Live’s” continued commitment to political satire and social commentary, using humor to address current events and the peculiarities of life in the public eye. The witty writing and Johnson’s impersonation showcase the blend of comedy and critique that the show is known for.