SNL took aim at former President Donald Trump in a hilarious "White Potus" spoof, parodying the hit show White Lotus in the wake of the controversial season finale. The pre-taped sketch aired on the April 12 episode, drawing attention to Trump’s tumultuous tariff rollout, which has even left some of his supporters skeptical.
The sketch begins with Chloe Fineman playing Melania Trump, adopting a southern accent reminiscent of White Lotus character Victoria Ratliff, portrayed by Parker Posey. In the sketch, Melania is seen trying to get her husband’s attention as he drifts into his own world before dinner. James Austin Johnson takes on Trump’s role, with the character mirroring the struggles of Timothy Ratliff, a financially troubled character from the show’s third season.
The family dinner scene showcases a comedic back-and-forth as Melania, in a rambling speech, tells Trump that America will always be a “rich and powerful nation.” Meanwhile, Trump reads a headline saying, “Trump triggers worldwide recession,” adding to the family’s growing financial discomfort.
The sketch humorously features Lizzo as Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda from White Lotus, who checks her bank account and laments, “There’s $5 million in my bank account. It was $20 million last week!” The skit highlights the exaggerated effects of Trump's tariff policies, as financial strain is felt across the family.
As the sketch reaches its climax, Trump sleepwalks toward a gun while pointing it at Uncle Sam, who pleads for his life. The gunfire represents the imposition of a 500% tariff on China. Just before pulling the trigger, Trump is awoken by Vladimir Putin, portrayed by Beck Bennett, in a surprising twist.
In a further jab, SNL parodied Trump's absurd comments, showing him comparing his tariff plan to the resurrection of Jesus. “The stock market did a Jesus. It died, then on the third day, it was risen... and then on the fourth day, it died again,” he declares.
This satirical portrayal follows Trump’s recent announcement that he would exempt smartphones and computers from his 145% tariff on Chinese goods, illustrating the ongoing political drama surrounding his economic policies. The sketch offered plenty of material for SNL to play with, delivering a comedic commentary on Trump’s controversial tariff strategies.
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