Saturday Night Live was amused by the measured approval expressed by some supporters of former President Donald Trump after his acquittal of impeachment.
The show envisioned Tucker Carlson of Fox News interviewing Republican leaders about the historic impeachment trial, which saw the most bipartisan support for the impeachment conviction in history.
“There is a lot to cover tonight,” said Carlson, played by Alex Moffat. So he decided to start his show with “non sequiturs that foster fear”.
“Is AOC hiding in your home now?” he said. “I wouldn’t put that in her past.”
Senator Lindsey Graham (Kate McKinnon) was presented for her assessment of Trump’s trial in the U.S. Senate for allegedly inciting the January 6 deadly riot on Capitol Hill.
“It’s a great day for 30% of Americans,” he said, “and today we’re having a party.”
The senator encouraged his party to focus on more important business.
“The trial is over and now we can go further and focus on serious issues – arresting Hillary and freeing the beautiful Britney Spears,” he said.
Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas (Aidy Bryant), offered his strategy as a juror.
“Like any impartial juror, we take responsibility for meeting with defense lawyers,” he said.
Although Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell voted to absolve the president, he spoke harshly.
“I think he is guilty as hell and he is the worst person I have ever met,” said McConnell, played by Beck Bennett. “Ah, God, that was good. I’ve been keeping it inside my neck for four years.”
The “Weekend Update” news segment continued to focus on Trump’s Senate trial.
“Like so many other men living in Florida, Donald Trump has once again escaped justice,” said co-host Colin Jost.
He called it “the dumbest trial I’ve ever seen”.
“The jurors who are deciding the case were those attacked by the defendant,” he said. “One of the jurors who voted to absolve Trump ran and said that someone has to sue this guy.”
Host colleague Michael Che, referring to the police who frequently avoid criminal prosecution after the shootings are captured by the camera, called Trump’s trial a “black history lesson”.
“Just because there’s video evidence,” he said, “doesn’t mean you’re going to have a conviction.”
