Ask any major actor or musician A-lister – hosting Saturday Night Live is the invite-only career booster on many of their bucket lists. The honor is recognized beyond actors as well, with sports icons like Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, LeBron James, Derek Jeter, and even O.J. Simpson (pre-Bronco era in 1978) partially completing the list of athletes who have hosted since the show’s premiere in 1975.
When it comes to politics, SNL is known for taking the political headlines of the week and throwing together a skit for the live show. The skits feature the cast members assuming the roles across parties and beyond the White House – including Congress, the Senate, and even Supreme Court judges.
Attempting a full 50-year deep dive into the political skits from Saturday Night Live is a daunting task, but consider this the start of many breakdowns of characters, seasons, and guests who made the political sketches a staple of every episode.
The Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations
Joe Biden (2020 – 2024)
The first time Biden was part of a political sketch was back in 1991, played by Kevin Nealon in season 17 while serving as a senator. Joe Biden would make it back as a vice president during the Obama years, candidate during the Trump years, and president during this current administration. Many cast members and guests have attempted to impersonate Joe Biden over the years, including James Austin Johnson, Woody Harrelson, Alex Moffat, Mikey Day, Jason Sudeikis, and fan-favorite guest actor, Jim Carrey.
Donald Trump (2016-2020)
SNL had a deep bench of Donald Trump impersonators who have come through the studio over the years. Various cast members did their best Donald Trump impressions until they decided that James Austin Johnson would be the recurring Donald Trump. Actors who have played Donald Trump on SNL include James Austin Johnson (current), Alec Baldwin, Taran Killam, Alex Moffat, and Darrell Hammond, with special cameos from John Cena and Shane Gillis.
Watch Donald Trump host SNL.
Barack Obama (2008-2016)
When Barack Obama was first elected, the only cast member who fit the bill at the time was Fred Armisen. Upon his departure from SNL, Fred passed the torch to Jay Pharoah, with whom he had a few overlapping seasons. Dwayne Johnson also played a version of Barack during his hosting gig, and Barack himself made a cameo during his 2008 presidential campaign.
Vice Presidents and Past Presidential Candidates
Kamala Harris (2020 – )
The current Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate could not have a better cast member to play her in this upcoming 50th season of Saturday Night Live, with Maya Rudolph signed on to be the official Kamala Harris for at least the next season. “This is so much bigger than me, and this is about something very important,” said Maya. Last season, Martin Short was cast to play Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris’ husband and potential first second-gentleman.
Mike Pence (2016 – 2020)
Former Vice President Mike Pence’s character (played by cast member Beck Bennett) portrayed a conservative politician with a serious demeanor who calls his mom, “mother” and answers to Trump.
Mike Pence (Beck Bennett) – Saturday Night Live / NBC
Hillary Clinton (2016 Presidential Candidate)
Former First Lady and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s character has been played by multiple cast members thanks to her long tenure in politics. The two cast members most known as Hilary Clinton of SNL are Kate McKinnon and Amy Pohler.
Nikki Haley (Republican Candidate for President)
Watch: Saturday Night Live – 2020 Democratic Debate
Members of the Senate and House
Another highlight of the political sketches is when fan-favorite cameos grace the screen with their spot-on impressions. Actors have impersonated senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, Bernie Sanders, Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, Alexandra Orcasio-Cortez, Pete Buttigieg, George Santos, and so many others.
First and Second Family Members
The immediate family of the presidents have been featured as characters on SNL as well. Ivanka, Don Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Melania have all been a part of the sketches.
Stay tuned for more character breakdowns and episode recaps for season 50! In the meantime, check out this YouTube playlist of political sketches on SNL.