A recent episode of a comedy show that joked about assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism from his supporters.

The premiere episode of the 50th season of NBC's Saturday Night Live included a controversial segment where actor James Austin Johnson portrayed Donald Trump, and the skit referenced two assassination attempts against the former president, presenting them in a humorous light which has since ignited significant controversy, as Breitbart reports.

Trump War Room Labels SNL Skit 'Disgusting'

Following the airing of the SNL segment, the Trump War Room took to social media to express its discontent. The team used X, formerly known as Twitter, to condemn the portrayal, stating the comedic interpretation of such grave events as assassination attempts was in poor taste.

Their post articulated their frustration: "There were two assassination attempts against President Trump within a span of seven weeks.@nbcsnl apparently finds that funny. Disgusting."

This expression of disapproval reflects a broader sentiment among Trump's followers and many who view the comedic handling of violence as inappropriate.

SNL Season Premiere Draws Varied Reactions

Amidst the controversy, the Saturday Night Live premiere was notable for its star-studded cast, which saw the return of former co-stars portraying current political figures.

Maya Rudolph returned as Vice President Kamala Harris, Andy Samberg appeared as Doug Emhoff, and Dana Carvey took on the role of President Joe Biden.

In his portrayal, Johnson’s Trump humorously addressed the assassination attempts during a speech to his Republican followers.

He joked, “We love my rallies, except when somebody goes bing bing bing bong bing right at me… you know that happened because of the rhetoric of the radical left.” This line specifically has fueled the ongoing debate over the appropriateness of making light of violence in political satire.

Political Satire Continues Amid Controversy

During the same episode, Rudolph, as Vice President Harris, addressed a mock rally. Her character emphasized perseverance and unity in light of the nation's ongoing political dramas.

She expressed, “We’ve got to stay focused. If we win, together, we can end the drama-la and the trauma-la and go relax in our pajama-las.”

The inclusion of this line in the SNL script highlights the show's attempt to balance its comedic perspective on serious political issues while engaging in the broader cultural commentary about the current administration and its opposition.

The episode has sparked a complex discussion on the boundaries of satire, particularly when it intersects with real-life threats and violence.

While some viewers appreciate the humorous take on political events as a form of relief or critique, others, particularly those aligned with Trump, see it as a step too far, insensitive to the seriousness of assassination attempts.

Public and Critical Reception Varies Widely

The differing views on the show's handling of such a sensitive subject mirror a divided America, where political allegiance often dictates the reception of satirical content.

The episode’s controversial nature has prompted widespread debate about the role of humor in political discourse, especially in contexts involving violence or threats thereof.

As Saturday Night Live continues its 50th season, the show remains a focal point in discussions about the limits of satire and the ethical considerations of using real-life dangers for comedic material.

This episode's reception will likely influence how the show approaches such themes in future broadcasts.