‘SNL’ Sketch Unveils Humorous Take on Trump’s East Wing Plans

A recent sketch on Saturday Night Live provided a satirical glimpse into former President Donald Trump’s controversial plans regarding the East Wing of the White House. In the segment aired on October 14, 2023, James Austin Johnson reprised his role as Trump, while Chloe Fineman flawlessly impersonated Melania Trump. The comedic duo appeared on a fictional episode of the home renovation show Property Brothers alongside host Miles Teller, who portrayed the show’s hosts, Drew and Jonathan Scott.

During the sketch, the Trumps discussed their extravagant renovation plans for the White House, emphasizing their vision of transforming it into their “forever home.” In a humorous exchange, Trump declared, “It will be ready just in time for my third term,” to which Melania enthusiastically agreed, stating, “We want this to be our forever home.” Trump further added a tongue-in-cheek remark about their intentions, saying, “We’re going to be doing something called coup,” eliciting laughter from the audience.

The proposed addition of a grand ballroom has become a focal point of public scrutiny. As images of construction equipment like wrecking balls and bulldozers surrounding the historic building circulated, the nation reacted with disbelief. The Scott brothers humorously questioned Trump about his budget, to which he jokingly replied it ranged from $350 million to infinity. Teller’s character then quipped, “He said, ‘I could build this ballroom with the bones of my enemies, and no one could stop me.’”

As the sketch continued, the brothers revealed their original plan for a ballroom that matched the existing dimensions, only for Trump to insist on enlarging it. This renovation follows a series of previous controversial updates made by Trump, including changes to the Oval Office, the Rose Garden, and even the Lincoln Bathroom. Teller humorously noted, “They also paved the Rose Garden and turned it into what looks like outdoor seating at an Olive Garden.”

Fineman’s portrayal of Melania suggested that the ballroom was inspired by Trump’s passion for dancing and her desire for more personal space. Fineman has been a cast member on SNL since 2019, and her impression of Melania notably led to her casting in Francis Ford Coppola’s upcoming film, Megalopolis.

In a playful twist, the sketch concluded with a nod to the current political climate, as Trump commented on the importance of happiness amidst global turmoil, saying, “It’s very important to be happy these days. Really dark stuff happening in the world. Some of it me.” He then showcased a crown he claimed to have acquired during a trip to Asia, adding, “Nothing says democracy like a crown, right?”

The SNL sketch effectively blends humor with political commentary, providing audiences with a lighthearted yet pointed reflection on the current state of affairs surrounding the former president and his ambitious renovation plans.