Saturday Night Live took a satirical jab at Donald Trump’s latest endeavor – the promotion of the “God Bless the USA Bible” – during its recent episode.
This product, purportedly “inspired by” country musician Lee Greenwood’s iconic song “God Bless the USA,” is being marketed for $59.99. It boasts an inclusion of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the handwritten chorus of “God Bless the USA.”
In the cold open of Saturday’s show, James Austin Johnson, playing the role of Trump, seized the Easter occasion to draw parallels between himself and Jesus Christ, a comparison he seemingly relishes. Holding up a copy of the aforementioned Bible, Johnson’s Trump quipped, “This beautiful Bible made from 100 percent Bible,” adding a comedic touch to the sales pitch.
‘SNL’ Skit Ridicules Donald Trump’s Bible Business: Seems Funny, and It Is in Some Ways, but It’s Also True (Credits: The Hollywood Reporter)
While acknowledging the humorous undertones, Johnson’s portrayal emphasized the reality of the product’s existence. Trump, through Johnson’s rendition, positioned the Bible as his personal favorite, albeit with a hefty price tag. He humorously asserted, “But I’m not doing this for the money. I’m doing this for the glory of God, and for pandering, and mostly for money.”
Trump, as portrayed by Johnson, lamented the perceived decline of religion and Christianity in the nation, expressing a desire to restore them. Amidst the comedic banter, he remarked on the Bible’s contents, showcasing a blend of reverence and humor towards its traditional narratives. He even drew a quirky parallel between the Holy Trinity and Destiny’s Child, injecting his characteristic wit into the portrayal.
The sketch concluded with Johnson’s Trump reciting a comically twisted version of the Lord’s Prayer, infusing it with Trump’s trademark linguistic quirks and pop culture references.
Through clever humor and witty satire, Saturday Night Live offered its take on Trump’s latest venture, poking fun at both the product and the personality behind its promotion.
