In a recent episode of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), the show opened with a sketch that humorously juxtaposed President Donald Trump's initial week in office with the era of the Founding Fathers. The cold open featured a surprise appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who reprised his iconic role as Alexander Hamilton from the acclaimed musical "Hamilton."
Dressed in full 18th-century attire, Miranda began with a spirited rap emphasizing America's foundational principles and the assertion that the nation would never have a king.
This performance was humorously interrupted by James Austin Johnson's portrayal of President Trump, who theatrically froze Miranda and the other Founding Fathers mid-song. Declaring himself in his "king era," Johnson's Trump character emphasized his efforts to create a new, predominantly white America, mocking diversity initiatives, LGBTQ+ rights, and even the attire of the Founding Fathers.
Throughout the sketch, he taunted Miranda, who struggled to maintain his composure, and humorously credited him with a fictitious campaign donation. The skit concluded with both Miranda and Johnson signing off with SNL's iconic line, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"
This sketch is part of SNL's longstanding tradition of using satire to comment on current political events. By blending historical figures with contemporary politics, the show offers a humorous yet thought-provoking perspective on the actions and policies of the current administration.