‘Saturday Night Live’ launched its 2024 season with a humorous sketch focusing on former President Donald Trump’s current legal issues and his involvement in the 2024 presidential race.
The opening scene, a parody set outside a mock New York City courtroom, introduced viewers to Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, humorously portrayed by Chloe Fineman.
SNL’s Fineman highlights inexperience and gag order in Trump legal spoof
She expressed her inexperience and learning curve in the role, emphasizing the constraints on Trump’s public statements due to a gag order.
Fineman, in character, stated, “And I want to make this perfectly clear: I am new at this, and I am learning. Now, the president may or may not stop for brief remarks, but due to a strict gag order; he will not be commenting on anything pertaining to this case, Miss Carroll or the judge.”
This statement set the tone for the show’s humorous take on the complexities surrounding Trump’s legal battles.
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SNL parodies Trump’s defamation trial, and legal team challenges
The sketch further delved into the defamation trial Trump faced in New York City, where a jury was tasked with deciding the compensation for defamation of E. Jean Carroll, a longtime advice columnist.
The lawsuit stemmed from allegations of sexual abuse and subsequent defamation by Trump, accusations he has consistently denied.
James Austin Johnson, taking on the role of Trump, then made a satirical entrance, poking fun at his legal team’s capabilities.
SNL’s Trump jokes about legal team’s incompetence, gag order violation
He humorously remarked to Fineman, “You’re great on TV. Maybe the worst lawyer I’ve ever had, which is quite an accomplishment.”
“Look at this team… this is the bottom of the barrel, folks, this is who said yes. I’m in the lead for president, and this is the best I can get. Feels like a red flag, no?”
Johnson’s Trump then humorously addressed his lawyers, informing them of non-payment, and discussed the case, humorously violating the gag order.
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SNL highlights Trump’s gag order and mocks 2024 election rivals
The sketch highlighted the gag order imposed in a separate civil fraud trial involving Trump in New York following his false claims about the judge’s principal law clerk, resulting in a $10,000 fine for Trump.
Shifting the focus to the 2024 election, Johnson’s Trump, still the GOP frontrunner, commented on his victory in the Iowa caucuses and mockingly congratulated other candidates like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley.
SNL’s Trump skit pokes fun at rivals, highlights poll lead
Johnson’s portrayal of Trump included humorous jabs at DeSantis and Ramaswamy, the latter of whom had just withdrawn from the race.
He said, “[Ramaswamy] dropped out of the race and has agreed to live in my suit pocket. I love my little ‘Ratatouille.’”
The sketch then touched upon Trump’s leading position in New Hampshire polls, as reported by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ, and his likely face-off against President Biden.
SNL’s satirical take on Trump’s legal issues and 2024 prospects
In a controversial turn, Johnson’s Trump referenced the infamous video with Jeffrey Epstein from 1992, bringing a darker tone to the satire.
He concluded with a quip about Trump’s approach to the elections and debates and a humorous speculation about the possible outcomes of 2024 for Trump, referencing the movie “The Purge.”
The SNL sketch, rich in political satire, humorously navigated the complex landscape of Trump’s legal challenges and political ambitions, blending direct quotes with fictional elements to create a comical portrayal of current events.
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