SNL Parodies The White Lotus with The White POTUS Sketch
In its April 12, 2025 episode, Saturday Night Live (SNL) transformed HBO’s hit series The White Lotus into a sharp political spoof titled The White POTUS. The comedic sketch revolves around a parody of the Trump family vacationing at a luxurious resort reminiscent of the serene backdrops seen in the show’s third season.
Meet the Cast: A Comedic Take on Political Figures
James Austin Johnson delivered a standout performance as Donald Trump, stepping into the shoes of Timothy Ratliff, originally played by Jason Isaacs. Melania Trump was voiced off-screen with an unmistakable Southern dialect, echoing the character of Ruth, previously portrayed by Parker Posey. Adding to the surprise, the talented Scarlett Johansson appeared as Ivanka Trump, taking over the role of Piper Ratliff, as seen in the HBO series.
Breakfast Banter and Political Undertones
During a breakfast scene that paralleled the original show’s dialogue, the cast cleverly intertwines satire with real-world concerns. Melania emphasized the tension with her remark:
“Can you imagine how awful it would be if America lost all its money?”
The parody did not stop there; it also featured Beck Bennett as Vladimir Putin, Lizzo portraying a hotel guest inspired by Natasha Rothwell’s role, and Jon Hamm stepping in as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a substitute for Walton Goggins’ character, Rick. Sarah Sherman embodied Chelsea, echoing Aimee Lou Wood’s character with quirky flair.
Capturing the Essence of The White Lotus
SNL’s The White POTUS artfully reimagined the Ratliff family as the Trump clan, with the latter encountering their own crises amidst the glamor of a high-end resort. Johnson’s portrayal showcased a Trump conflicted yet oddly complacent. As breakfast progressed, Melania inquired:
“You would never let our economy go to pieces, right hon?”
In true slapstick fashion, Trump silently opted for a chicken nugget rather than addressing her question directly. This portrayal notably veers toward the absurd, contrasting the original character’s affinity for medicine with Trump’s inclination for fast food.
Character Dynamics and Underlying Stress
Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. also made appearances, with Eric, played by Alex Moffat, embodying confusion and helplessness. The sketch cleverly highlights themes of family rivalry and the often chaotic pursuit of power and status, all set against the façade of a tranquil resort atmosphere.
Despite the idyllic surroundings, the narrative subtly underscores a deeper tension that resonates with audiences, as the characters grapple with money and public perception—issues that feel heavily relevant to today’s political climate.
Guest Appearances and Enhanced Humor
The sketch further saw Jon Hamm’s RFK Jr. exemplifying the outspoken guest archetype, while Sarah Sherman comically portrayed Chelsea, donning exaggerated teeth and a thick accent to deliver comedic moments reminiscent of the original series. Lizzo, the night’s musical guest, humorously lamented an unexpected dip in her wealth:
“It was 20 million last week!”
Beck Bennett’s return as Vladimir Putin provided a visual jest, where he attempted to soothe the visibly distraught Trump while sporting a shirt that read “KING.” This clever wardrobe choice added an extra layer of humor to the already dynamic ensemble.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, SNL’s The White POTUS ingeniously mimics the structure of The White Lotus while infusing it with pressing political commentary, capturing the essence of both shows. The Trump family’s attempts at maintaining composure among a flurry of political absurdities make for entertaining television that resonates on multiple levels.
Catch the latest episode of Saturday Night Live, now available for streaming on Peacock.