‘SNL’ can’t stop making fun of conservatives, Trump — and unbelievable data proves it
An analysis by Media Research Center’s NewsBusters reveals that 'Saturday Night Live' has heavily targeted conservatives and President Donald Trump in its 2025-2026 season, with 91% of political jokes on Weekend Update aimed at conservatives. Cold open sketches featured Republican characters 49 times compared to 10 appearances for left-leaning figures. The report suggests a significant political imbalance in the show's satire, with Trump being the most frequent target.
- ▪91% of political jokes on Weekend Update targeted conservatives, while only 18 jokes targeted Democrats.
- ▪President Donald Trump was the subject of 101 Weekend Update jokes and appeared in 12 cold opens this season.
- ▪Characters representing Republicans and conservatives appeared 49 times in cold opens, compared to 10 appearances for liberal figures.
- ▪Michael Che made a controversial joke in April 2026 that alluded to the possibility of Trump being assassinated at the Kennedy Center.
- ▪Socialist NYC Mayor Mamdani was targeted by only one Weekend Update joke and appeared in a single cold open sketch.
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Politics exclusive ‘SNL’ can’t stop making fun of conservatives, Trump — and unbelievable data proves it By Rich Calder Published May 16, 2026, 11:03 a.m. ET Live from New York! It’s time to bash Republicans on Saturday Night! A whopping 91% of jokes delivered on “Saturday Night Live’s” Weekend Update segment this season targeted conservatives, while 82% of characters during the show’s cold opens mocked President Donald Trump or fellow Republicans, according to a new analysis by Media Research Center’s NewsBusters. The media watchdog examined SNL’s first 19 shows this season through May 9 and found a one-way political firing squad.
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