English
American comedian James Austin Johnson brought his celebrated Donald Trump impression to British television for the first time on Saturday, making a crossover appearance on SNL UK. Johnson, a cast member on the American version of Saturday Night Live, joined the British show’s cold open sketch, marking the first time a performer has crossed between the two casts.
Zelenskyy Sketch Sets the Scene
The sketch opened with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, played by George Fouracres, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, played by Freddie Meredith. The two leaders discussed Britain’s continued support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.
Meredith’s Zelenskyy made an urgent appeal during the meeting. “We need America to restore the Starlink internet,” he said. “Without it, we are vulnerable to drone strikes.” He then added a lighter note, complaining that the outage also made it difficult to stream Celebrity Traitors, joking that he suspected Richard E. Grant would win the series.
Fouracres’ Burnham promised to raise Ukraine’s concerns with President Trump at the earliest opportunity. Moments later, Johnson appeared on screen as Trump, announcing his arrival with the line: “Did somebody say Richard E. Grant?”
Johnson’s Trump Steals the Sketch
Fouracres’ Burnham reacted with shock at Trump’s sudden appearance. Johnson’s Trump explained his logic simply. “You say my name and I appear,” he said. “I got the idea from my very close friend Beetlejuice, the late, great Beetlejuice.”
Trump then explained why he was in the UK. He said he had come to watch “my favorite comedian” performing live at the High Court “in the role of defendant,” a reference to the ongoing Russell Brand trial.
Johnson’s Trump also proposed an unusual arrangement with Burnham. He suggested the two men swap jobs, with Trump taking over the UK and Burnham taking over the United States. “I tell ya, that place is a real mess,” Trump said. “It’s an awful, awful job. It’s a terrible place full of disgusting people.” Fouracres’ Burnham declined, pointing out that he had barely started his own job and that people did not yet hate him.
Trump Turns His Attention to Britain
Rather than accept defeat, Johnson’s Trump launched into a series of complaints about the UK. He criticized Marks and Spencer for offering too many varieties of Percy Pigs. He then turned his attention to British comedy, declaring it was “not doing well.”
Trump specifically targeted SNL UK itself. “You’re telling me you don’t have a guy — the whole cast, you don’t have one guy who can play Trump?” he said. He then took a swipe at RADA, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, renaming it the “Royal Academy of Dogshit Actors.” He also noted with visible delight that, unlike American television, the British show allowed stronger language on air.
Finally, Johnson’s Trump abandoned the job swap idea and prepared to return home. However, he offered Zelenskyy one parting message. He said he was happy to help with anything Zelenskyy needed, “provided it’s not help with war.” Fouracres’ Burnham closed the sketch by urging Zelenskyy to stay calm, telling him that what mattered most was being “nice to this insane man.”
Johnson’s appearance on SNL UK drew attention for both his sharp Trump impression and the rare crossover between the two productions. The sketch blended topical political commentary with absurdist humor, touching on the Ukraine conflict, the Russell Brand trial and the transatlantic relationship between the US and UK.
