As Donald Trump ramps up his campaign for a second term in the White House, comedians and satirists are sharpening their wit to take on the controversial figure once again. With the political landscape more polarized than ever, can comedy provide a much-needed release and bridge the divide?
Finding Fresh Angles in Familiar Territory
When Trump first took office, his larger-than-life persona and unconventional style provided ample fodder for comedians. But as Andy Zaltzman, host of The News Quiz on BBC Radio 4, notes, “Trump is so ridiculous that he makes comic extrapolation harder.” The challenge now lies in discovering original ways to satirize a man who often seems like a walking caricature.
London-based American comic Sara Barron acknowledges that much of the comedy targeting Trump during his first term “did not provide catharsis.” She attributes this to the ubiquity of Trump-related content, from memes to TikToks, which can make it difficult for comedians to stand out. “The challenge is finding an original angle,” Zaltzman agrees. “That’s always been difficult with Trump.”
Personal Perspectives and Political Divides
Some comedians are finding success by exploring their personal connections to the Trump phenomenon. Janine Harouni, an American standup based in the UK, created a show called Stand Up With Janine Harouni (Please Remain Seated) during Trump’s first term. The show delved into Harouni’s relationship with her Trump-supporting father, an Arab immigrant. “I wrote that show because I love my dad and cannot reconcile his political beliefs with how I feel about him personally,” Harouni explains. “I was really struggling with that.”
If you can find a way to laugh at something that upset you, it doesn’t have control any more. I wanted it to feel healing and hopeful.
– Janine Harouni
Harouni believes that comedy has the power to release worry and fear, and she aimed to create a show that felt “healing and hopeful.” She witnessed this firsthand while performing on election night, noting that “everyone was so happy to be with like-minded people.”
Impersonations and Holding Power to Account
Lewis MacLeod, the voice of Trump on the BBC’s Dead Ringers, sees political comedy as a form of protest. “It absolutely has to hold power to account,” he asserts. “It becomes its own protest, but it’s done with laughs.” To prepare for the latest series, MacLeod studied recent interviews with Trump, noting a “messianic tone” in the former president’s more reflective moments.
MacLeod has also started impersonating Elon Musk, who is expected to play a role in Trump’s new administration. He describes Musk as having “something of a mad, maniacal robot about him.” However, MacLeod acknowledges the risk of creating satirical impressions that are too likable: “That’s the rub of satire and mimicry.”
Comedy as a Uniting Force
While Zaltzman questions comedy’s ability to change minds, given Trump’s increased support, he believes that “the best comedy has elements of creativity and optimism, offering alternative ideas.” Harouni, drawing from her experience with Trump-voting family members, sees reason for hope: “Not everyone who voted for Trump holds his worst beliefs.”
I like comedy that unites people from different systems of belief. I hope people strive for that rather than continue to feed into the divisive narrative that’s driving Americans further apart.
– Janine Harouni
As the United States braces for what could be an even more turbulent second Trump term, comedians are poised to offer moments of much-needed levity and catharsis. By finding fresh angles, drawing on personal experiences, and aiming to unite rather than divide, they may just provide the antidote to the nation’s political malaise.
