Story perspectives

SNL Mocks Trump’s Tariffs with Hilarious 'MAGDA' Skit

4/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

"Saturday Night Live" took a comedic jab at President Trump's new tariffs with James Austin Johnson portraying Trump, who cleverly dubbed the potential economic fallout as "MAGDA" (Make America Great Depression Again). The skit also featured Mike Myers as Elon Musk, who humorously unveiled a self-vandalizing Tesla, amplifying the absurdity of the current economic climate.

History

Historical Context

"Saturday Night Live" humorously criticized President Trump's tariffs, suggesting they could lead to a "Great Depression." Historically, tariffs have often sparked economic turmoil. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930, intended to protect U.S. industry, led to retaliatory tariffs and worsened the Great Depression. Trump's tariffs have similarly raised consumer prices and prompted economic uncertainty, echoing past protectionist policies that backfired.

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Story summary

"Saturday Night Live" took a comedic jab at President Trump's new tariffs with James Austin Johnson portraying Trump, who cleverly dubbed the potential economic fallout as "MAGDA" (Make America Great Depression Again). The skit also featured Mike Myers as Elon Musk, who humorously unveiled a self-vandalizing Tesla, amplifying the absurdity of the current economic climate.

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