SNL mocks Trump in 'White Potus' spoof amid controversial tariff rollout
SNL took aim at former President Donald Trump in a hilarious "White Potus" spoof, parodying the hit show White Lotus in the wake of the controversial season finale. The pre-taped sketch aired on the April 12 episode, drawing attention to Trump's tumultuous tariff rollout, which has even left some of his supporters skeptical.
The sketch begins with Chloe Fineman playing Melania Trump, adopting a southern accent reminiscent of White Lotus character Victoria Ratliff, portrayed by Parker Posey. In the sketch, Melania is seen trying to get her husband's attention as he drifts into his own world before dinner. James Austin Johnson takes on Trump's role, with the character mirroring the struggles of Timothy Ratliff, a financially troubled character from the show's third season.
The family dinner scene showcases a comedic back-and-forth as Melania, in a rambling speech, tells Trump that America will always be a 'rich and powerful nation.' Meanwhile, Trump reads a headline saying, 'Trump triggers worldwide recession,' adding to the family's growing financial discomfort.
The sketch humorously features Lizzo as Natasha Rothwell's Belinda from White Lotus, who checks her bank account and laments, 'There's $5 million in my bank account. It was $20 million last week!' The skit highlights the exaggerated effects of Trump's tariff policies, as financial strain is felt across the family.
As the sketch reaches its climax, Trump sleepwalks toward a gun while pointing it at Uncle Sam, who pleads for his life. The gunfire represents the imposition of a 500% tariff on China. Just before pulling the trigger, Trump is awoken by Vladimir Putin, portrayed by Beck Bennett, in a surprising twist.
In a further jab, SNL parodied Trump's absurd comments, showing him comparing his tariff plan to the resurrection of Jesus. 'The stock market did a Jesus. It died, then on the third day, it was risen... and then on the fourth day, it died again,' he declares.
This satirical portrayal follows Trump's recent announcement that he would exempt smartphones and computers from his 145% tariff on Chinese goods, illustrating the ongoing political drama surrounding his economic policies. The sketch offered plenty of material for SNL to play with, delivering a comedic commentary on Trump's controversial tariff strategies.
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By weaponizing tariffs, Trump sought to coerce trading partners and reconfigure supply chains through brute economic power. However, in doing so, the administration not only antagonized allies and adversaries alike but also disrupted global trade balances, supply chains, and investor confidence. The global economy is an ecosystem. If one part of it is harmed, the ripple effects are felt across continents. In this context, the Trump tariffs didn't just target China—they undermined the very structure of global trade and collaboration. The United States, which once championed free trade, suddenly became its greatest disruptor. This led to global uncertainty, inflation in various sectors, and rising consumer prices within the United States itself. In response to this unprecedented tariff regime, China issued its strongest economic and diplomatic rebuttal to date. 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Trump is likely to help bring peace in the Middle East and work for 'two-state solution' to realise his dream of 'Abraham Accords'. KSA and Turkey are also playing a role in his peace efforts. Lifting of sanctions on Syria, meeting with the Syrian president and expression of hope that a deal could be reached with Iran are positive indicators. Iran is expected to be pragmatic as well. President Trump is ardently working for a ceasefire in Ukraine, and get closer to Russia — perhaps to forestall Russia and China getting into an unmanageable alliance. Though a priority, containment of China may retake shape of 'Congagemnent' during his tenure. China making great strides in high-end technology would wish to maintain pace of its comprehensive rise by avoiding conflicts and developing a good working relationship with the US. However, to protect its interests, China is expected to remain assertive in all domains. The US is likely to continue trade with China, but on more favourable terms. Important fact is that finding an alternative to high quality Chinese products on cost effective rates for US consumers in short term may not be possible. China has been a trusted ally of Pakistan. The China-Pakistan friendship bond has gained newer heights during the May 2025 Pak-India War. Pakistan's grit and tenacity and its courageous, swift, skilful, comprehensive and lethal response to the Indian aggression must have impressed the friends and foes alike. At this point in time, Pakistan and China, their people and militaries are closer than ever before. China will continue to support Pakistan unequivocally. This relationship is likely to experience stress due to the enduring US-China competition. It is important that an understanding is developed in the western capitals that for Pakistan, in the absence of any alternative, the only choice for realising ends of its comprehensive 'National Security Policy' that is predicated on geo-economics, remains the People's Republic of China. The recent China-Pakistan-Afghanistan tripartite meeting and PM Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Turkiye, Iran and Azerbaijan — aimed at conveying gratitude for their support during the Indian aggression, reaffirming the closer relation and expanding the ties to make the mutually beneficial friendship even stronger — is a step in right direction. The warm welcome and pleasant exchanges reflect mutual desires to strengthen the exiting bonds. The second tripartite meeting held between Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan at Lachin in Azerbaijan further manifests the growing understanding between Pakistan and the regional countries. The PM and his delegation also visited Tajikistan to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in multifaceted areas. Russia and Pakistan are getting closer too, which is being seen as a very positive development. Pakistan has sent delegations to various countries of the world to forge an understanding in the comity of nations to communicate Pakistan's position on perpetuating Indian arrogance and aggressiveness as against Pakistan's desire for enduring peace and stability in the region. Pakistan has been making efforts to develop good relations with all the neighbours, including India. Unfortunately, Indian intransigence remained a hurdle. The impasse seems to have been broken by the short but intense May 2025 War, imposed on Pakistan by the rash Indian leadership, and the ceasefire sought by India through the US. President Trump has expressed his willingness to help resolve the Kashmir dispute by convening a Pakistan-India meeting in some third country — something that is being considered a silver lining. The global milieu engenders quest to forge peace and enhance trade instead of war. Pakistan should continue trying to avoid conflicts and have good relations with all the countries, including India. The US president's promise of mediation must be pursued for resolution of the Kashmir dispute, reversal of Indian announcement of holding IWT in abeyance and restoration of special status of IIOJK. Very good relations with China, the US, the UK, EU, Gulf states, Turkiye, Afghanistan and Iran warrant added focus by Pakistan. Connectivity is the way forward for mutually beneficial socio-economic development and societal emancipation.
