Story perspectives

SNL's Trump Assassination Joke Fuels Controversy and Criticism

4/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

SNL's Weekend Update sparked controversy by joking about the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Michael Che referenced Trump attending a Kennedy Center performance, implying a link to Lincoln's assassination and drawing cheers.
The incident follows two assassination attempts on Trump during his 2024 campaign, underscoring tensions around his presidency.
Critics say the joke promotes a dangerous normalization of violence against political figures and harms political discourse.

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Story summary

SNL's Weekend Update sparked controversy by joking about the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Michael Che referenced Trump attending a Kennedy Center performance, implying a link to Lincoln's assassination and drawing cheers.
The incident follows two assassination attempts on Trump during his 2024 campaign, underscoring tensions around his presidency.
Critics say the joke promotes a dangerous normalization of violence against political figures and harms political discourse.