Donald Trump Hosts SNL, Despite Protests

Donald Trump was the latest 2016 presidential hopeful to take to the stage at 30 Rock last night, when he hosted the newest episode of “Saturday Night Live.” While there may have been some lukewarm laughs inside the studio, Trump’s appearance sparked plenty of protests outside.

SNL gave Donald Trump only roughly 12 minutes of airtime (possibly in recognition of the “equal opportunity” time rule that would require NBC to give free time to the other candidates as well.) But he spent that time on an opening monologue, his own rendition of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” video, and was the recipient of some major barbs on the “Weekend Update” sketch. But, one of the most noteworthy moments was when Larry David, who reprised his role as Bernie Sanders, yelled “Trump’s a racist!” In the (clearly scripted) subsequent exchange, David then explained “I heard they’d give me $5,000.”

Larry David couldn’t miss this opportunity. #SNLhttps://t.co/CQ3y2BxUtK

— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) November 8, 2015

The “they” that David was referring to were the protesters, who disagreed strongly with NBC’s decision to have Trump host the show. The protestors, who mostly take issue with Trump’s previous comments on immigrants, had previously tried to push NBC to “Dump Trump” and not allow him onto the show. When they were unsuccessful, they took to the streets outside the NBC studios. DeportRacism.com, which is a site involved in the protests, also offered $5000 to anyone willing to interrupt Trump’s performance–hence David’s interruption.

The protestors outside chanted slogans like “Hey hey, ho ho, racism has got to go!” It’s estimated that roughly 200 people showed up to protest. They also took to social media with hashtags like #DumpTrump and #RacismIsntFunny.

Our gratitude to the folks outside @rockcenternyc #solidarity #DumpTrumpOnSNL #RacismIsntFunny pic.twitter.com/jKKL9yHh7s

— Jose Antonio Vargas (@joseiswriting) November 8, 2015

Live, from New York, it’s racism and bigotry! #DumpTrump #RacismIsntFunny — Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) November 8, 2015

“Racism isn’t funny. It’s lazy and it’s cheap.” Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) urges SNL to #DumpTrump: https://t.co/9TzcWdUPQu — AJ+ (@ajplus) November 6, 2015

The protestors made an important point, but Trump did end up taking the stage at “Saturday Night Live” after all. While last night garnered SNL its highest ratings in years, most critics have panned the episode overall. But whether or not Trump’s appearance will affect his still-high poll numbers will have to be seen. 

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.