Saturday Night Live (SNL) is no stranger to creating memorable sketches that reflect the political and cultural zeitgeist. On January 25, 2025, the iconic show delivered another gem when Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for his groundbreaking work on Hamilton, made a surprise appearance. This time, Miranda reprised his famous role as Alexander Hamilton in a sketch that took a comedic spin on the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The twist? He was humorously interrupted by SNL’s current Donald Trump impersonator, James Austin Johnson, turning the moment into a satirical spectacle that had audiences in stitches.
The episode kicked off with Miranda stepping into a colonial setting, complete with quills, parchment, and powdered wigs. As the sketch unfolded, Miranda, in his role as Hamilton, passionately spoke about the ideals of liberty and the foundation of a new nation. His delivery, reminiscent of his Broadway performances, immediately struck a chord with the audience, showcasing his unparalleled ability to mix charisma with historical storytelling. However, just as the audience was captivated by his heartfelt speech, the scene took a comedic turn. Enter James Austin Johnson, who interrupted the proceedings with his flawless impersonation of former President Donald Trump. Dressed in 18th-century attire but sporting Trump’s signature mannerisms and tone, Johnson’s character quickly shifted the tone of the sketch from earnest to absurd.
In true Trump fashion, Johnson’s portrayal took center stage as he began to humorously rewrite history. He declared a “new vision for the country”, peppering his speech with satirical comments on workplaces, his son Barron, billionaire friends, and gender roles. The dialogue was cleverly crafted to reflect Trump’s infamous speaking style, complete with self-praise and exaggerated claims. One of the highlights of the sketch was when Johnson’s Trump turned to Miranda’s Hamilton and quipped, “You know, I could’ve done this whole revolution thing better. They say I’m great at revolutions. Nobody does revolutions like me.” The absurdity of the statement, combined with Johnson’s delivery, had both the live audience and viewers at home laughing uncontrollably. The sketch concluded with Miranda and Johnson standing side by side, delivering SNL’s iconic sign-off, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” The moment perfectly encapsulated SNL’s ability to blend sharp political satire with laugh-out-loud humor.
The episode’s host, Timothée Chalamet, added another layer of excitement to the night. Known for his versatility as an actor, Chalamet also showcased his musical talents by performing songs by Bob Dylan. His renditions of lesser-known tracks like “Outlaw Blues” and “Three Angels” were praised for their authenticity, proving that Chalamet is as much a musician as he is an actor. Chalamet’s involvement extended beyond his musical performances. His comedic timing shone in various sketches throughout the night, making him one of the most memorable hosts of the season. The combination of his hosting skills, Miranda’s surprise appearance, and Johnson’s Trump impersonation made this episode an instant classic.
To top it all off, SNL legend Adam Sandler made a surprise appearance during one of the sketches. Sandler’s cameo added a nostalgic touch to the episode, delighting longtime fans of the show. His brief but impactful performance served as a reminder of his enduring comedic genius.
Saturday Night Live has a rich history of parodying Donald Trump, dating back to 1988. Over the years, several cast members and guest actors have taken on the challenge of impersonating the former president, each bringing their unique flair to the role. Phil Hartman, Darrell Hammond, and Alec Baldwin are among the most notable performers to have portrayed Trump. Baldwin’s portrayal, in particular, earned widespread acclaim and even an Emmy Award. Currently, the mantle is held by James Austin Johnson, who took over the role in November 2021. Johnson’s version of Trump is characterized by its attention to detail, capturing not only Trump’s voice and mannerisms but also the nuances of his speaking patterns. His performance in this latest episode further cemented his reputation as one of the best Trump impersonators in SNL’s history.
This episode, like many before it, showcased SNL’s commitment to using comedy as a lens to examine contemporary political and cultural issues. By blending the historical gravitas of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton with the absurdity of a Trump interruption, the show created a sketch that was as thought-provoking as it was entertaining. SNL’s ability to balance satire with humor has long been one of its defining features. Whether it’s through cold opens that parody political figures or sketches that tackle current events, the show continues to push the boundaries of what comedy can achieve.
In today’s polarized political climate, satire plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue and reflection. SNL’s decision to bring Trump back into the spotlight, albeit through comedy, reflects the ongoing relevance of his influence on American politics and culture. By juxtaposing Trump’s exaggerated persona with the ideals of the American Revolution, the sketch offered a clever commentary on the state of modern leadership and governance.
The January 25, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the season. From Lin-Manuel Miranda’s surprise return as Hamilton to James Austin Johnson’s pitch-perfect Trump impersonation, the night was a masterclass in comedic storytelling. Add to that Timothée Chalamet’s impressive hosting debut and Adam Sandler’s nostalgic cameo, and you have an episode that encapsulates everything fans love about SNL. As SNL continues to evolve, its commitment to blending humor with social and political commentary remains as strong as ever. For fans of the show and casual viewers alike, this episode served as a reminder of why Saturday Night Live remains a cultural institution after nearly five decades on the air.
