Saturday Night Live’s Season Finale Mocked Trump’s Middle East Trip
In its season finale, “Saturday Night Live” took a humorous approach to President Donald Trump’s recent Middle East visit, downplaying it as a significant foreign policy event. The Cold Open showcased James Austin Johnson portraying an exaggerated version of Trump alongside a fictional Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, humorously suggesting an unexpected friendship between them.
Johnson’s Trump character remarked, “Of course I’m kidding, but we’re together now, and it’s fascinating,” as if discussing a new romantic relationship. He further elaborated, “I’m a huge fan of everything Saudi Arabia offers, from oil to money.”
Trump’s Long Tenure and Controversies
In a satirical twist, SNL joked that Trump was in office for “100 years,” mocking the chaos of executive orders and a nod to the Pope’s ambitions. Meanwhile, the real Trump was back in Washington, touting three major investment deals amounting to billions from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, claiming they would boost the U.S. economy.
As the sketch unfolded, SNL’s Trump hinted that his travel motives might not be entirely patriotic. “I want to make it clear. I did this for the American people, and, well, myself—my personal concentration,” he boasted, suggesting that he benefited personally from the trip.
They also addressed the $400 million jet from Qatar, bringing attention to the controversy currently facing House Democrats. Johnson’s impersonation quipped, “Catalis gave me a $400 million plane. Can you believe it? People say it’s a bribe. It’s not true, it’s not true; they want nothing in return. Well, not yet anyway.” This satirical twist highlights ongoing discussions surrounding political favors and ethics.
In an interview, the real Trump defended accepting the jet, labeling it “pretty” and critiquing delays in Boeing’s new Air Force projects. SNL then turned to Boeing’s recent safety issues, suggesting that Trump’s character preferred the Qatari jet over American planes, commenting on the dire state of U.S. air traffic control.
“Have you seen what’s going on with our planes? The radar is down—Newark,” he jested, referencing recent disruptions at the airport.
Comedy Segments and Future of “SNL”
The second part of the episode, featuring host Scarlett Johansson and musical guest Bad Bunny, tackled the radar failures in a comedic rap, portraying air traffic control at its worst.
The opening sketch, as usual, included traditional digs at the president and his unyielding media presence. As the season wrapped up, the fictional Trump noted, “It’s the finale, so you won’t see me here for a while. But don’t worry; the real thing is still everywhere.” He ominously added, “See you again in the fall, if there’s still a country.” This blend of humor and poignancy is what often makes SNL’s political commentary both entertaining and thought-provoking.
