Things like SNL, Seth Meyers’ talk show, and other “news” stations that dig at politicians have always been on in my household. When I was younger, I just thought they were funny jokes, but as I’ve grown up, I’ve noticed there’s a deeper meaning to all of them. The jokes throughout these shows are not just things the writers are making fun of, they’re trying to highlight the problems throughout our society.

There are various sketches on SNL, ranging from ones about very niche people to political statements. But one particular political sketch caught my eye. SNL is known to be leaning left as an NYC acting establishment, but after Trump was elected president, they released a sketch pretending to praise him. The sketch features cast members portraying various political figures reacting to the election outcome, using exaggeration, parody, and irony to highlight the absurdities and contradictions in the political landscape.

In this sketch, they pretend that they’ve always been in favor of Trump, as if they hadn’t been criticizing and making jokes about him for years prior. This irony emphasizes Trump’s need for praise and followers. If you aren’t one of these followers, you have the risk of being in trouble, financially like the actors at SNL, or even getting deported.

SNL amplifies the personalities and behaviors of political figures to comedic extremes. The portrayal of President Trump includes exaggerated speech patterns and mannerisms, emphasizing his idiocy. This technique highlights specific traits to underscore the character’s distinctiveness and the public’s perception of him. 

Through these satirical techniques, SNL not only entertains but also prompts viewers to critically engage with current political events, encouraging reflection on the narratives presented by public figures and the media.