So, Lin-Manuel Miranda decided to dust off his Alexander Hamilton wig (metaphorically, at least) and bring some Broadway brilliance to Saturday Night Live. But because nothing goes smoothly in America anymore, his heartfelt performance was rudely interrupted by Donald Trump—or, more accurately, James Austin Johnson doing a scarily spot-on impression of the former president.
Here’s how it all went down: Lin was mid-rap, pouring his Founding Fathers heart out to the nation during the cold open of the January 25 episode. He was trying to unite the divided masses with the sheer force of his rhymes, belting out lines like, “We will have leaders, but know one thing / In America we will never have a king.”
Cue Donald Trump (Johnson), sauntering onto the stage like a man who just found out Twitter reinstated his account. “We’re in my king era now,” Trump declared, probably inspiring gasps, groans, and a collective eye-roll across America. He then casually announced plans to make a “new version of America.” Because, sure, why not?
Trump’s entrance wasn’t the only chaos he brought. James (as Trump) dropped some gems about his return to the White House, throwing in a mention of surprise guest Melania Trump—who, let’s be honest, might actually be surprised if she ever steps foot in the White House again. He also made a dig about billionaires sitting front and center at his “coronation” or whatever we’re calling it. Honestly, it’s giving rich-people Hunger Games vibes.
And if that wasn’t enough star power, the episode was hosted by none other than Timothée Chalamet. Because apparently, SNL figured the only way to balance Broadway brilliance and Trump chaos was by throwing in a dreamy, cheekbone-blessed Oscar nominee.
It was a classic SNL cold open: musical theater, political satire, and a sprinkle of pure absurdity. Lin-Manuel may have started the night as Alexander Hamilton, but he ended it as just another American, blindsided by the Trump Show™.
President Trump interrupts Lin-Manuel Miranda to address the nation pic.twitter.com/d7PhbxLeII
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) January 26, 2025
