Story perspectives

SNL Mocks Trump Amid Epstein Files Controversy

12/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is satirized in Saturday Night Live's cold open.
The sketch centers on the heavily redacted Epstein files.
James Austin Johnson, an SNL cast member, impersonates Trump and mocks the Kennedy Center renaming to include his name.
The Epstein files release has sparked political tension as lawmakers criticize the Department of Justice.
Artists are unhappy about the Kennedy Center's new name, prompting performance cancellations.

History

Historical Context

The release of heavily redacted Epstein files in December 2019 sparked political controversy, revealing connections to figures like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Following this, 70% of Americans expressed distrust in the Department of Justice's handling of the case. This ongoing scrutiny reflects broader public discontent with political affiliations in cultural institutions, as seen in the Kennedy Center's renaming criticism.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is satirized in Saturday Night Live's cold open.
The sketch centers on the heavily redacted Epstein files.
James Austin Johnson, an SNL cast member, impersonates Trump and mocks the Kennedy Center renaming to include his name.
The Epstein files release has sparked political tension as lawmakers criticize the Department of Justice.
Artists are unhappy about the Kennedy Center's new name, prompting performance cancellations.

1 / 2