Trump on ‘SNL’: The highlights and lowlights
Though there was much fuss made about Donald Trump’s Saturday Night Live hosting stint, the show itself wasn’t a standout: Trump mostly played variations of himself in sketches not made funnier by his presence. USA TODAY’s Carly Mallenbaum recaps the show
THE HIGHLIGHTS
There was a heckler. Larry David, who reprised his spot-on Bernie Sanders impression in the opening skit, shouted to Trump during the opening monologue, “Trump’s a racist. ... I heard if I yelled that they’d give me $5,000.” Trump had the perfect reply: “As a businessman, I can fully respect that.”
A “Hotline Bling ” parody video brought out the humorous Drake-inspired dance moves in Trump. “You used to call me on my cellphone,” he sang while flailing his arms slowly.
Weekend Update regular Drunk Uncle, played by Bobby Moynihan, went on about why he’s the No. 1 Trump fan (in a segment that didn’t actually feature Trump). “He’s my president, because we both love white Russians. ... His wife is named Melania, and that’s what my doctor said this mole is.” THE LOWLIGHTS
Trump played a “laser harp” in a band that kept introducing itself with members’ extended solos. Trump was upset he wasn’t given enough time with his fantastical instrument. We weren’t.
Former porn stars (Cecily Strong and Vanessa Bayer in recurring roles) starred in a campaign ad for “the billionarest” Donald “Tramp.” The whole bit consisted of dirty double-entendres about Trump, Vladimir Putin and bears. The joke was already old by the time Trump showed up to disapprove of the message.
In one sketch, the mogul’s characteristically critical tweets streamed onscreen while regular
SNL players worried about what Trump was writing about their live performance set in an Italian restaurant. Unfortunately, Trump himself never appeared onscreen to own up to the negativity.