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SNL Recap: Cast Members Tell Trump "We're on Your Side"

Politics

Tue, January 14

This weekend on Saturday Night Live, the cast took on the election results with a surprising twist: an entire sketch dedicated to telling former President Donald Trump, "We're on your side." No, this isn’t satire within satire within satire (what is this, Inception?)—well, actually, maybe it is. Cue dramatic sound effects, please.

The cold open kicked off with James Austin Johnson’s eerily accurate Trump impersonation, pacing around Mar-a-Lago like a man trying to find his missing golf ball and, coincidentally, his dignity. Trump was busy plotting his "totally legitimate" legal challenge to the election results, lamenting about "witch hunts" and "very unfair counting." Enter the SNL cast, dressed as his hypothetical legal dream team, to the rescue. “We’ve got your back, Mr. President!” they cheered.

Their version of "help," however, involved legal advice cribbed straight from TikTok conspiracy theories and, oh yeah, Wikipedia. Because nothing says “credible” like citing the same source you used to fake your history project.

Let’s dive into the most unhinged moments, shall we? First up, Bowen Yang as Trump’s newest attorney, Chad. Chad’s revolutionary legal strategy was to "manifest victory" because, as he so wisely pointed out, “that’s what Selena Gomez does when she wants a Grammy.” You could almost hear the collective facepalms through the screen.

Then there was the moment Chad suggested Trump "just slay" his way to a court win, which honestly feels like solid advice for literally anything these days. Filing taxes? Just slay. Taking the SAT? Slay harder.

Next, we had Chloe Fineman and Kenan Thompson manning Trump’s fictional "Election Results Hotline." Their job? Take calls about voter fraud claims while very visibly playing Candy Crush on their phones. Because let’s be real, who’s actually taking those calls seriously anymore?

Even fictional characters are over it. Kenan at one point muttered, “Sure, we’ll investigate fraud,” while sneaking another level-up, which felt both relatable and slightly too real. If this were a Black Mirror episode, we’d be spiraling right about now.

And then there was the musical finale. Oh, the musical finale. The sketch wrapped up with a parody of We’re All in This Together from High School Musical.

Except this time, it was "We’re All On Your Side," featuring the SNL cast doing jazz hands in MAGA hats. Jazz. Hands. In. MAGA. Hats. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Zac Efron went to a Trump rally, congratulations, you now have the visual.

But let’s not forget the undercurrent of actual meaning here. Sure, the jokes flew fast and furious, but SNL managed to sneak in some poignant commentary about democracy, the post-election circus, and the general chaos of politics. Beneath the giggles, the show held up a mirror to the absurdity of it all. I mean, when your legal strategy sounds like a rejected plotline from Legally Blonde 3, maybe it’s time to reevaluate some things. (Or, you know, take Chad’s advice and just slay.)

SNL has always had a knack for turning politics into punchlines, but it’s also a low-key educational tool for anyone not following every twist and turn of the news. Think of it as your cool older sibling who explains current events while making dumb jokes about them. This week’s episode wasn’t just comedy; it was a reminder of how humor can shine a light on the ridiculousness of our world.

Because let’s face it: if you’re not laughing, you’re crying. And nobody wants mascara tears.

So, whether you’re tuning in for the laughs, the commentary, or just to watch Bowen Yang redefine "slay-based lawyering," one thing is clear: nobody roasts democracy quite like SNL. Until next week, folks, stay iconic. (And maybe update your legal sources.)

Shriya Keshav

Writer since Jan, 2025 · 2 published articles

Hi, I’m Shriya! A high school junior with a passion for writing, I love using my voice to share inspiring stories and spotlight important issues. When I’m not reporting, you’ll find me leading clubs, dancing, or dreaming big about a future in law and advocacy.

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