James Austin Johnson Enters Trump Persona During “SNL UK” Political Sketch

Donald Trump made his first appearance on “SNL U.K.,” featuring “SNL” cast member James Austin Johnson.

Saturday night’s cold open recreated U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham (George Fouracres) meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy (Freddie Meredith) to reaffirm Britain’s support in their conflict with Russia.

“We need America to restore the Starlink internet. Without it, we are vulnerable to drone strikes,” Meredith’s Zelenskyy declared. “Also, it is very difficult to stream ‘Celebrity Traitors.’ I’m very behind, no spoilers, but I think Richard E. Grant is going to go all the way.”

Replied Fouracres as Burnham, “Well, I can promise you now that I’ll raise all of this with President Trump at the first opportunity.”

Johnson then appeared with his signature impersonation of Trump, marking the inaugural crossover between the “SNL U.K.” and “SNL” ensembles. “Did somebody say Richard E. Grant?” he quipped.

“President Trump!?” Burnham – playing Fouracres – exclaimed.

“That’s right, you say my name and I show up,” Johnson’s character sighed. “I drew inspiration from my close friend Beetlejuice, the late, great Beetlejuice. That is one of the two similarities he shares with me—though the second aspect is a matter of sexuality that is allegedly unproven.”

When pressed on his presence in London, Johnson—through his Trump impersonation—explained he was there “to see my favorite comedian,” who would be performing live at the High Court in the capacity of defendant, a subtle nod to the Russell Brand trial.

Johnson’s Trump character then outlined ambitions regarding a potential job exchange with Burnham. “I take over the United Kingdom; you take over America,” he said earnestly. “Look, it’s a mess—the place is terrible, filled with awful people, I have no clue what struck them. C’mon, trade places with me!”

Burnham‑as‑Fouracres responded, “I cannot swap jobs with you now, cocker! I haven’t even begun properly. Nobody hates me yet!”

Johnson’s Trump continued with a rambling rant about rectifying Britain’s problems, notably complaining that M&S carries excessive varieties of “Percy Pigs.”

“As for British comedy, folks? What a sorry state—it’s not holding steady,” he went on. “‘SNL U.K.,’ you claim none of you can pull off playing Trump? What a disgrace. Some of those performers may have graduated from RADA! What does that stand for—for the Royal Academy of Dogshit Actors? Oh, feel free to critique—that really felt good.”

After conceding defeat on the employment proposition, Johnson stated: “Fine—I’ll head home. To Zelenskyy, just let me know if you require assistance, absolutely anything, provided it isn’t help with the war.”

Burnham added, “Apologies to Zeltsky, old‑timer. Nevertheless, amid the chaos, what truly matters is treating this outraged leader with reasonableness.”

View the complete sketch below.

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