Donald Trump Amplifies SNL UK Sketch Targeting Keir Starmer
Former US President Donald Trump has publicly reshared a comedic sketch from the newly launched Saturday Night Live UK edition, which directly mocks British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The sketch, which aired as part of the show's premiere on Sky One, was posted by Trump on his Truth Social platform without any accompanying commentary or context.
Satirical Portrayal of Downing Street Dynamics
The sketch opens with a panoramic view of 10 Downing Street before introducing cast member George Fouracres in the role of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside Hammed Animashaun portraying Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. The scene depicts Starmer anxiously attempting to avoid a phone call from Trump, highlighting his apparent apprehension about engaging with the former president.
During the exchange, Starmer expresses his fears, saying: "Oh golly, what if Donald shouts at me? What do I say, Lammy?" Lammy responds with ironic reassurance: "Just be yourself, Prime Minister. Yourself is who everyone likes," which prompts laughter from the studio audience.
Mocking Diplomatic Hesitation and International Tensions
When Starmer eventually answers the phone, he adopts a mocking imitation of Trump's voice before quickly hanging up, exclaiming: "Oh sod that scary, scary, wonderful President. Why is he so bloody difficult to talk to?" The sketch then references real-world geopolitical tensions, with Lammy advising Starmer to honestly inform Trump that Britain cannot deploy additional ships to the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has effectively blocked the crucial oil shipping channel amid ongoing conflicts involving the US and Israel.
Starmer's character reveals his aversion to conflict, stating: "I just hate conflict so much," to which Lammy sarcastically queries whether he means the war or simply the phone call. The Prime Minister responds with characteristic indecision: "Isn't there a way I can not do both? I just want to keep him happy, Lammy. You don't understand him like I do – I can change him." Lammy dryly retorts: "I don't think the feeling's mutual."
Additional Satirical Elements and Show Context
The sketch further ridicules Starmer's leadership by having him question how former Prime Minister Liz Truss made the job appear effortless and by referencing Trump's past criticism of Starmer as a "coward." A new character named Starmzy, played by Jack Shep and referencing rapper Stormzy, is introduced as a Gen Z advisor who counsels Starmer on setting boundaries with Trump. The segment concludes with Starmer declaring: "I'll do anything, except take a stand."
This sketch was part of a broader premiere episode hosted by American comedian Tina Fey, which also featured impersonations of historical figures like Princess Diana and Winston Churchill, and addressed the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. During the Weekend Update segment, comedian Ania Magliano joked about renovations at Mountbatten-Windsor's home, including the installation of Sky TV, and referenced his recent arrest and release in connection with misconduct allegations, which he strongly denies.
The episode sparked meta-commentary when Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan questioned why an American like Tina Fey was hosting the UK launch instead of a British icon. Fey humorously explained that no British celebrities were willing to take on the role, stating: "The way it was explained to me was for this first episode anyway, none of you f**kers would do it, does that make sense?" Graham Norton also made a cameo appearance, noting that the studio is typically used for his own chat show.
