The Donald Trump backlash in the comedy community continues by finding its way to bigger and bigger stages. This weekend, the jokes could be found front and center at the 44th American Music Awards that took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Well, when one of your co-hosts is former Saturday Night Live alum Jay Pharoah, you knew an impression of the president elect wouldn’t be far behind.
Pharoah as Trump, “Listen, I love Bruno Mars. I don’t know what color he is so I can’t deport him. Everyone everyone everyone, he looks like Mowgli from The Jungle Book alright.” The crowd erupted with laughter. He then went on to let everyone know that he is going to funk this country up.
Even Gigi Hadid, who also hosted the night, got in on the action. However, the irony here is that some are calling her impersonation of Melania Trump to be racist. Is this because she has an accent? Or is a woman? Confusing that one would be ok and not the other. Either way, Pharoah gave the verbal thumbs up saying, “That was spot on. Spot on.”
As we discussed on our podcast this past week, one that we don’t dive into politics very often – or at all – will Trump’s presidency change comedy at all? Could it? If he’s out to sue everyone who talks or says something about him, in his view, that is poor – what does an apology request for a joke look like coming from the highest office in the land?
The Trump impressions didn’t stop there. Saturday Night Live, Pharoah’s old stomping ground, came out swinging with an amazing sketch as Donald Trump prepares for the “cold open.” Beck Bennett showed up as Mike Pence and Alec Baldwin returned as Trump. When faced with making good on his campaign promises, president-elect Donald Trump starts to panic. Enjoy.
