In its latest episode, Saturday Night Live (SNL) once again set its sights on former President Donald Trump, this time lampooning his peculiar attempt to market a Bible. The show’s cold open, which aired on March 30 and was hosted by comedian Ramy Youssef, took a sharp jab at Trump’s recent promotional campaign for the “God Bless America Bible,” a move that has left many puzzled and prompted widespread criticism.
Trump’s Bible Promotion Sparks Controversy
Earlier this week, Trump stirred up both amusement and controversy by releasing an infomercial promoting a special edition Bible, priced at $60. The “God Bless America Bible,” as it is called, is marketed as a patriotic homage to the country, drawing inspiration from the popular hymn of the same name. Trump’s promotional efforts came just ahead of Easter, a time when Christians around the world prepare to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to endorse the Bible, writing, “Happy Holy Week! Let’s get America praying again. As Good Friday and Easter approaches, I encourage you to buy a God Bless America Bible.” His message, however, did not stop there. In a move that has become a hallmark of his post-presidency rhetoric, Trump went on to make comparisons between himself and Jesus Christ, a parallel that many found both audacious and offensive.
SNL’s Satirical Response
SNL, known for its biting political satire, quickly seized on Trump’s Bible sales pitch. The show’s cold open featured actor James Austin Johnson, who has gained acclaim for his spot-on impersonation of Trump, delivering a monologue that skewered the former president’s latest endeavor.
“That’s right, it’s Easter,” Johnson’s Trump began. “Every year at this time, I compare myself to Jesus Christ. That’s what I do now, and people seem to be fine with it. I’m going to keep doing it.” The audience’s laughter set the tone for what would be a scathing critique of Trump’s attempt to capitalize on religious sentiment.
A Deeper Look at SNL’s Critique
SNL’s portrayal of Trump’s Bible-selling effort is more than just a humorous skit; it reflects a broader cultural critique of the commodification of religion. Trump’s attempt to market the Bible as a patriotic product, coupled with his self-aggrandizing comparisons to Jesus, plays into a narrative that SNL has repeatedly explored: the former president’s penchant for blending business, politics, and religion in ways that often seem incongruous.
The sketch also touched on the commercial motivations behind Trump’s actions. Johnson’s Trump quipped, “But I’m not doing it for the money. I’m doing it for the glory of God, to cater to the masses, and mostly for the money.” This line, while delivered humorously, highlights a key point of contention for critics: the perception that Trump’s religious posturing is more about profit than piety.
As the debate over Trump’s Bible promotion continues, one thing is clear: the intersection of religion, politics, and commerce will remain a contentious and heavily scrutinized topic in the months and years to come.