SNL Satirizes Trump and Milei
Mocks with Spy Character "Austin Powers" Comparison
Democrats Push Back Against Currency Swap and Financial Aid
The popular American comedy show "Saturday Night Live (SNL)" is drawing attention by satirizing the Donald Trump administration and Argentine President Javier Milei. According to Yonhap News on October 19 (local time), citing Argentine media outlets Ambito and El Destape, "SNL mocked President Milei by comparing him to the eccentric British spy character 'Austin Powers' from the movies," and "also portrayed the issue of financial support for the Argentine government and Trump’s close aides as a contradiction."
The popular American comedy show Saturday Night Live is drawing attention by satirizing the Donald Trump administration and Argentine President Javier Milei. SNL YouTube
SNL host Colin Jost compared a photo of Milei to an image of the actor in the comedy film "Austin Powers" wearing glasses and making a similar facial expression, while mocking the Trump administration’s support for the Argentine government.
Jost remarked, "President Trump announced he would provide $40 billion (about 57 trillion won) in support to Argentina," and added, "If history is any guide, many Trump officials will eventually flee to Argentina." This was a joke suggesting that Trump administration officials might escape to Argentina in the future, just as some Nazi officials did after World War II.
Local media explained, "This broadcast is seen as reflecting American public opinion regarding the current announcement of $40 billion in support for Argentina, even as the US government faces a shutdown (partial suspension of federal government operations)."
Donald Trump, President of the United States, and Javier Milei, President of Argentina. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
Previously, the Trump administration had announced an additional $20 billion in support based on private funds, following a $20 billion currency swap for the Milei government, which is facing an economic crisis. This has led to criticism, particularly from the opposition Democratic Party, that the Trump administration is prioritizing other countries over its own citizens who are struggling.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized, "Even with $20 billion of US taxpayers’ money, Argentina could not be saved," and added, "Now President Trump is diverting another $20 billion-money that US banks should be lending to businesses, farmers, and families-to prop up President Milei’s corrupt government and its crisis-ridden economy." Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stated, "President Trump is willing to spend $40 billion to bail out Argentina’s far-right leader rather than address the healthcare crisis in the US. This shows where his priorities lie," and questioned, "What happened to 'America First'?"
According to Yonhap News, dissatisfaction is also growing among American farmers, who are a key base of Trump’s support. Amid ongoing trade tensions with China that have halted US soybean exports to China, Argentina is increasing its soybean exports to China. Some critics have pointed out online, "Was 'Make America Great Again' originally meant to be 'Make Argentina Great Again'?"
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