The U.S.-U.K. crossover nobody asked for
If you thought the pond was too wide for a political sketch, think again. Saturday night’s cold open of SNL U.K. took a wild turn when SNL legend James Austin Johnson made a surprise cameo as Donald Trump. The segment kicked off with U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham (George Fouracres) meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy (Freddie Meredith) to discuss the U.K.’s support for Ukraine, specifically mentioning the need for Starlink internet.
The Trump takeover
Johnson’s Trump showed up out of nowhere, claiming he was in the U.K. to support his “favorite comedian” currently appearing as a defendant in the Russell Brand trial. He immediately pitched a “job swap” to Burnham, insisting that being President of the U.S. is a “terrible place full of disgusting people.”
Burnham wasn't having it, pointing out he’s barely settled into his role. Johnson’s Trump, however, wasn't ready to drop the bit, pivoting to a rant about how he could fix the U.K., specifically calling out M&S for having way too many versions of Percy Pigs.
Not a fan of the casting
Trump didn't stop there, throwing shade at the SNL U.K. cast for not having their own Trump impersonator. He hilariously trashed RADA, claiming, “What is that, the Royal Academy of Dogshit Actors?” He ended his appearance by telling Zelenskyy to call him for help with literally anything—as long as it wasn't the war. The whole segment really had main character energy in the most unhinged way possible.
Why it matters
This marks the first-ever crossover between the U.S. and U.K. SNL casts, proving that the political satire game is going global. It’s a W for fans of Johnson’s impression, even if the politicians in the sketch definitely aren't feeling the love.
