Key Points
- Saturday Night Live mocked Donald Trump’s recent Kennedy Center Honors selections during its Weekend Update segment.
- Michael Che and Colin Jost targeted Trump’s comments on “affordability” and his remarks about Venezuela.
- A congressional protest involving a quote from The Exorcist also became comedic material.
- The segment highlighted the growing overlap between political news and pop‑culture satire.
- The Kennedy Center ceremony took place last Sunday in Washington, D.C.
SNL Turns Trump’s Honors List Into Comedy Spotlight
Donald Trump’s latest Kennedy Center Honors selections became the focus of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, where co‑anchor Michael Che delivered a pointed punchline comparing the choices to something a “gay man from 1978” might curate. The joke quickly circulated online, underscoring how Trump’s cultural decisions continue to attract national attention.
The ceremony, held last Sunday in Washington, D.C., remains one of the most prominent annual events celebrating American arts and culture.
Weekend Update Questions Trump’s Word Choice and Health
Che and co‑anchor Colin Jost also dissected several recent statements made by Trump. Che challenged Trump’s claim that “affordability” was a newly invented Democratic term, joking that a more believable made‑up word would be “fatmentia.”
Jost followed with commentary on U.S. military posture in Venezuela, pairing his remarks with a visual gag: a photo of a weekly pill organizer displayed on screen. The joke referenced an interview in which Trump said Venezuela’s leader’s “days are numbered,” playing into ongoing public discussions about the age and fitness of political figures.
Pop Culture Interrupts Politics at Congressional Hearing
The episode also spotlighted a viral moment from a congressional hearing involving Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. A protester interrupted the proceedings by shouting the iconic line “The power of Christ compels you!” from The Exorcist.
While Noem largely ignored the disruption, SNL’s editors humorously exaggerated the moment by making it appear as though she turned her head completely around — a direct nod to the film’s most famous possession scene.
According to Reuters, protests at congressional hearings have become increasingly common, but this one stood out for its dramatic pop‑culture reference.
Entertainment and Politics Continue to Intersect
The segment highlighted how political events and entertainment commentary have become deeply intertwined. SNL’s satirical take on Trump’s honors list and recent headlines is likely to shape public conversation in the days ahead, reinforcing the show’s long‑standing role as a cultural barometer.
What Happens Next?
As political news continues to dominate public discourse, SNL is expected to keep weaving current events into its sketches and commentary. With the season ongoing, viewers can anticipate more intersections of politics, pop culture, and comedy in upcoming episodes.
