In a cold open that left audiences laughing and thinking, Saturday Night Live (SNL) once again put politics center stage, this time lampooning President Donald Trump’s newly proposed global tariffs.
The sketch, aired on April 5, 2025, featured James Austin Johnson as Trump, with a satirical twist that branded the economic policy as a gateway to another depression.
The sketch, dubbed the “Great Depression” cold open, highlighted Trump’s controversial economic decisions through humor, with the fictional campaign slogan “Make America Great Depression Again” (MAGDA).
It poked fun at the administration’s move to impose broad tariffs on foreign imports—a policy that economists warn could strain global trade and drive up domestic prices.
A Comedic Yet Cautionary Tale on Tariffs
In classic SNL fashion, the skit used exaggeration to spotlight real-world concerns. Johnson’s Trump character boasted about the new tariffs, claiming they would “scare other countries into respecting us again.”
But the sketch took a darker comedic turn by showing the policy’s unintended consequences—such as soaring prices and job losses—evoking the specter of the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Economists from institutions such as the Brookings Institution and Council on Foreign Relations have previously warned that aggressive tariff measures could trigger retaliation, disrupt supply chains, and harm U.S. manufacturing. Trump’s real-life proposal includes a 10% universal import tariff and a potential 60% levy on Chinese goods—a move that has already drawn global concern.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office provides up-to-date summaries on current trade policy and tariff decisions. Analysts suggest that if enacted, these measures could reverse progress in trade diplomacy and escalate tensions with major partners like the European Union and China.
Mike Myers Returns as Elon Musk in Satirical Surprise
Adding to the comedic firepower, Mike Myers returned to SNL to parody tech billionaire Elon Musk. In the sketch, Myers’ Musk introduced the fictional Tesla Model V—a self-vandalizing electric vehicle.
The vehicle’s odd feature was a jab at recent real-life incidents where Tesla owners reported acts of vandalism due to polarizing opinions about Musk and his companies.
Myers portrayed Musk as out-of-touch yet confident, mocking his failed attempts to influence political outcomes, particularly a recent Supreme Court election in Wisconsin.
This subplot in the sketch referenced Musk’s real-world involvement in contentious social and political issues, from social media controversies to shareholder disputes.
For verified coverage of Elon Musk’s political activity, reputable sources such as Reuters and The Guardian have documented his recent comments and their impact on the public discourse.
Jack Black Hosts; Elton John and Brandi Carlile Perform
The episode was hosted by Jack Black, marking his first return to the show in nearly 20 years. Known for his dynamic energy and comedic timing, Black’s performance was well-received by both critics and fans. He appeared in several sketches throughout the night, but the cold open stood out for its sharp political commentary.
The musical segment was equally powerful, featuring Elton John and Brandi Carlile. They performed “Little Richard’s Bible,” a tribute to the late rock ‘n’ roll icon. The performance added a soulful and nostalgic touch to the episode, balancing out the satire with genuine artistry.
Satire Meets Reality: A Reflection on Economic Policy
SNL has a long-standing tradition of using comedy to reflect current events and challenge viewers to think critically. This particular sketch came at a time when trade policy and economic fears are again becoming a central issue in U.S. politics.
According to recent analysis by The Peterson Institute for International Economics, trade restrictions of this scale could significantly affect U.S. GDP growth and lead to inflationary pressure on consumer goods. While the SNL sketch leaned heavily into satire, it echoed real fears among economists and everyday Americans alike.
Final Thoughts
The “Great Depression” cold open was more than just entertainment—it was a sharp critique of protectionist trade policy and the potential consequences of economic nationalism. SNL continues to blend humor with political insight, sparking conversations long after the credits roll.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
