Saturday Night Live (SNL) took aim at President Donald Trump’s tariff address, referencing the sensationalized claims about Haitian immigrants reportedly consuming pets in Springfield, Ohio, which garnered media attention prior to the election.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House via email seeking a comment on the SNL sketch.
The Background
On Wednesday, the president declared that the U.S. would implement a 10-percent “baseline” tariff on nearly all imports, specifically naming around 60 nations for what he termed “discounted reciprocal tariffs.”
He explained that these “reciprocal” tariffs were predicated on the duties imposed by these countries on the United States. The White House later clarified that the method used was based on only two factors: the U.S.’s trade deficit with any given country divided by that nation’s exports to the U.S.
Key Points
SNL lampooned Trump’s “historically awesome speech” delivered in the Rose Garden of the White House, featuring James Austin Johnson as the president.
The figures suggest “we’re gonna make America wealthy again—MAWA,” he proclaimed. “You’ll soon check your stock portfolio and think ‘I’m almost too wealthy.’ We’re doing MAWA.”
“But before that, we’re doing MAGDA—Make America Great Depression Again—it’ll surpass great; it’ll be a phenomenal, unbelievable Great Depression unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed before. We like to say, ‘Unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed before.’
Johnson added: “This depression is going to be so tremendous; we’ll be the ones eating the cats and dogs—and that’s going to be a blast. Low and slow, you’ve got to braise him, you know.”
This was a nod to last September, when Springfield, Ohio, became engulfed in a political uproar after unfounded rumors circulated claiming Haitian migrants were killing pets and park birds for sustenance.
City officials quickly debunked these allegations, but they were echoed by Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Elon Musk.
Who Played Trump and Musk on ‘SNL’?
Johnson, a cast member of SNL since 2021, portrayed Trump while donning a blond wig, suit, and red tie, mimicking the president’s speech patterns and style.
Mike Myers, a former cast member from 1989 to 1995, made a return to SNL to portray Musk.
AP
Public Reactions
The White House has defended Trump’s tariff policies, stating in a press release: “For the first time in decades, the United States will experience fair trade as President Donald J. Trump announces tariffs to level the playing field for American workers and businesses.”
“Despite the rhetoric from politicians and the media, studies have consistently demonstrated that tariffs are an effective instrument for achieving economic and strategic goals—much like they did during President Trump’s first term.”
Elon Musk, head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, expressed a hope for a “zero-tariff situation” between Europe and the U.S.
In a video-linked conversation with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, he stated: “Ultimately, I hope both Europe and the United States can ideally transition to a zero-tariff situation, effectively establishing a free-trade zone between Europe and North America.”
Next Steps
A previously announced 25-percent tariff on auto imports came into effect on Thursday. Furthermore, Trump’s 10-percent “baseline” began on Saturday, while his “discounted reciprocal” tariffs are set to commence on April 9.
