SNL’s ‘Weekend Update’ Trump Joke Sparks Awkward Moment Amid Historical References
The Saturday Night Live ‘Weekend Update’ segment, known for its sharp political satire, recently featured a joke that inadvertently stirred controversy. Host Colin Jost made a comparison between the Trump administration and Nazi war criminals, referencing the ‘ratlines’—escape routes used by Nazi officials to flee Europe after World War II.
The joke, suggesting that a number of Trump officials might end up fleeing to Argentina, was met with a muted audience reaction. An awkward pause followed the punchline, which caught Jost off guard. He quipped, ‘OK, one clap,’ before immediately clarifying that he was ‘just kidding.’ The segment continued with other jokes, including a take on Trump’s recent remarks about possibly not getting into Heaven, where Jost suggested that Trump ‘was obviously far too busy down here, running hell.’
SNL also targeted former Republican congressman George Santos, whose seven-year prison sentence was commuted by Trump this week. Jost humorously noted the commutation, stating that Santos’ situation was ‘incredible,’ and pointedly compared it to the historic performance of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who became the first player in baseball history to throw six shutout innings and hit three home runs in a single game.
The show’s satire often walks a tightrope between humor and potential offense, and this episode was no exception. The reference to Nazi ‘ratlines’ was a clear allusion to historical figures who escaped to South America, a move that many believe was facilitated by the U.S. and other countries. The joke’s delivery, combined with the audience’s silence, created a tension that highlighted the sensitivity of the subject matter.
Despite the potential controversy, SNL maintained its usual comedic approach, balancing sharp wit with political commentary. The segment’s broader context included jokes on other political and cultural topics, showcasing the show’s ongoing role in political satire while remaining a source of entertainment for its audience.