SNL's 'The White POTUS' sketch satirizes Trump amid economic turmoil
SNL's latest sketch, The White POTUS, mixes luxury satire with political chaos, turning Trump's imagined presidency into a hilariously divisive spectacle. From a shirtless Putin to a distressed Lizzo, the episode delivers sharp humor—and serious buzz—you won’t want to miss.
In its April 12, 2025 episode, "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) aired a sketch titled "The White POTUS," parodying HBO's "The White Lotus" to satirize President Donald Trump's recent economic policies, particularly his controversial tariffs. The sketch featured James Austin Johnson as Trump, Chloe Fineman as Melania Trump, Scarlett Johansson as Ivanka Trump, and Jon Hamm as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., among others. Set in a luxury Thai resort, it humorously depicted the Trump family's obliviousness to the economic turmoil caused by the tariffs.
SNL's 'The White POTUS' sketch satires Trump's economic policies, resonates with viewers amid economic uncertainty
The sketch began with Melania Trump (Fineman) attempting to engage Trump (Johnson) during a family dinner, highlighting the family's detachment from the nation's financial struggles. Trump, reading about a global recession he instigated, remained unfazed. Lizzo appeared as a distressed American citizen lamenting a significant financial loss due to the economic downturn. The segment also featured Beck Bennett as a shirtless Vladimir Putin, adding to the sketch's satirical portrayal of global reactions to Trump's policies.
SNL's portrayal resonated with viewers, reflecting widespread national anxiety over the real-world implications of Trump's tariffs. The sketch's humor provided a cathartic outlet for audiences grappling with rising prices and economic uncertainty. Social media buzzed with praise, with many calling it one of the funniest SNL sketches in years. The episode's blend of political satire and pop culture references demonstrated SNL's knack for timely and relevant humor.
SNL's 'The White POTUS' sketch sparks debate on political satire, divides viewers
However, not all reactions were positive. Some viewers, including actress Aimee Lou Wood, criticized the sketch as "unfunny and mean," sparking discussions about the boundaries of political satire. This divide highlighted the polarized nature of Trump's presidency and the challenges comedians face in addressing such contentious subjects. Despite differing opinions, the sketch undeniably sparked conversation and reinforced SNL's role in reflecting and shaping public discourse.
Overall, SNL's "The White POTUS" sketch exemplified the show's tradition of incisive political commentary wrapped in humor. By intertwining elements of "The White Lotus" with the current political climate, SNL created a piece that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. The sketch not only provided satire but also served as a mirror to the nation's sentiments, underscoring the importance of comedy in navigating complex political landscapes.