Former US President Donald Trump has unleashed a furious broadside against long-running comedy institution Saturday Night Live, branding the programme "rigged" and delivering scathing criticism of its content during a recent campaign rally.
The 'Unfunny' Allegation
During his address to supporters, Trump didn't hold back his contempt for the NBC sketch show, declaring it "the worst of what television has to offer." The former president, who has a complicated history with the programme having both hosted it and been frequently satirised by it, claimed the show has lost its comedic edge.
Targeting Biden's Portrayal
Trump took particular exception to SNL's portrayal of current President Joe Biden, suggesting the programme treats him with excessive gentleness. "They make him look like a sharp, competent leader," Trump complained, "when everyone knows that's far from reality."
A History of Tension
The relationship between Trump and Saturday Night Live has been volatile for years. While he hosted the show in 2015 during his presidential campaign, he has frequently criticised its political sketches, especially those featuring Alec Baldwin's impersonation of him during his presidency.
This latest outburst comes as Trump continues to dominate Republican primary polling, despite facing multiple legal challenges. His comments about the entertainment industry reflect his ongoing willingness to engage in cultural battles alongside political ones.
Audience Reaction
At the rally, Trump's criticism of SNL received enthusiastic applause from his supporters, many of whom view mainstream entertainment as hostile to conservative values. The moment highlights how cultural criticism has become an integral part of modern political campaigning.
Saturday Night Live, which has been on air since 1975, has traditionally drawn both praise and criticism for its political satire from across the political spectrum. However, Trump's latest comments represent some of the most direct criticism from a major political figure in recent memory.
