Saturday Night Live never shies away from controversy, and the latest episode’s Weekend Update segment delivered biting satire that didn’t hold back. With a razor-sharp script and performances by Colin Jost and Michael Che, the sketch show took on two of the week’s biggest headlines: former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs and country singer Morgan Wallen’s abrupt departure from a concert stage. The episode managed to blend current affairs with bold comedic flair, drawing laughter and criticism alike.
The segment opened with a jab at Trump’s economic promises, characterizing his 10% universal tariff proposal as both unrealistic and deeply ironic. Che quipped, “Nothing says ‘pro-America’ like making Americans pay more for foreign products they need because we barely make anything here anymore.” The line landed hard, showcasing SNL’s ability to balance levity with critical insight. Meanwhile, Jost added his signature deadpan with a follow-up joke about Trump’s ever-shifting policy positions, suggesting the tariff plan was just “another round of his reality show: ‘The Art of the Squeal.'”
Political Punchlines That Hit Home
Jost and Che’s comedic rhythm shone as they dismantled Trump’s economic ideas with precision. They likened the tariff plan to “trying to diet by locking the fridge, but giving the key to DoorDash.” According to Rolling Stone, the sketch also alluded to the deeper political ramifications of Trump’s rhetoric, noting that while some voters might resonate with the nationalist tone, economists and business leaders have been openly critical. The show cleverly layered jokes with factual nuance, allowing viewers to laugh while pondering the seriousness of the policies discussed.
By incorporating visuals of Trump’s campaign rallies and mock graphics mimicking Fox News, the segment visually emphasized its satirical bite. The use of fake lower thirds, like “Tariffs: Because Inflation Wasn’t Enough,” drew roars from the live audience. It was vintage Weekend Update material—irreverent, fast-paced, and scathing in its critique.
Morgan Wallen Becomes the Punchline
But the night’s most unexpected roast came at the expense of Saturday Night Live alumnus musical guest Morgan Wallen. Just a week after Wallen walked offstage mid-show citing vocal issues, Jost couldn’t resist the setup: “Morgan Wallen canceled a concert after losing his voice. We’re just shocked he had one to begin with—that wasn’t full of slurs.”
As Variety highlighted, Wallen’s controversial past has made him a frequent target for late-night satire. But SNL’s zinger hit differently, tying his professional misstep to his public scandals. Michael Che followed up with a more sympathetic take, noting that losing one’s voice “is tough, especially when you need it to yell at the crowd for not waving Confederate flags.”
The jabs were met with a mix of laughter and audible gasps, reflecting the polarizing nature of Wallen’s persona. Nevertheless, the audience’s reaction proved that SNL is still capable of pushing boundaries and sparking conversation, even decades into its run.
Sketches with Substance and Staying Power
Beyond the punchlines, this episode of SNL reaffirmed the relevance of Weekend Update as a vehicle for cultural commentary. As noted by The New York Times, the segment continues to thrive because it adapts swiftly to the weekly news cycle while offering a distinct voice amid the cacophony of media takes.
What made this particular episode resonate was its ability to intertwine humor with sharp political and cultural observations. Trump’s tariffs may seem like a dry economic topic, but Jost and Che transformed it into an engaging roast of nationalist populism. Wallen’s departure from the stage could have gone unnoticed, yet SNL seized it as a moment to comment on celebrity accountability.
Whether you agreed with the jokes or cringed at their audacity, one thing is certain: Weekend Update remains a cultural touchstone, unafraid to challenge power and parody the absurdities of modern America. With the 2024 election cycle gaining momentum, the stage is set for more episodes that blend news, humor, and just the right amount of outrage. Are you ready to laugh through the madness?
