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SNL Sketch Resurfaces Trump's Odd Praise for Harry and Meghan

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/03 .. ces-trump-s-odd-praise-for-harry-and-meghan.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, March 1st 2026 at 10:41 GMT by NBC Los Angeles
      Locales: Washington, D.C., California, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - March 1st, 2026 - Saturday Night Live's latest sketch, penned and directed by Hilary Knight, has reignited the conversation surrounding Donald Trump's surprisingly consistent praise for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The sketch, featuring James Austin Johnson's consistently sharp impression of the former president, centers around a fictionalized account of Trump's 2019 state visit to London, focusing on his seemingly genuine admiration for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The video, rapidly gaining traction on SNL's YouTube channel, presents a Trump fixated on a photograph of Harry and Meghan, extolling their virtues of bravery and independence. He wistfully remarks he wishes he had possessed similar courage, adding a layer of ironic commentary on the former president's own frequently combative and rule-breaking behavior. Knight herself appears in the sketch as a deadpan security guard, providing non-verbal reaction shots--most notably, a perfectly timed eye roll--that amplify the comedic effect.

But the sketch isn't simply a collection of punchlines; it's a shrewd observation on a curious political dynamic. Trump's public pronouncements regarding Harry and Meghan have been remarkably consistent over the years. During their initial departure from royal duties in 2019, he publicly stated his "very impressed" by their decision, a sentiment that seemed particularly noteworthy given his often-critical stance towards figures he perceived as challenging established norms - except, seemingly, when it came to the Sussexes. This perceived inconsistency has become a recurring theme in political commentary and is precisely what Knight's sketch effectively satirizes.

Why the fascination? Understanding the Trump-Sussex Connection

Several theories attempt to explain Trump's unusual support for Harry and Meghan. Political analysts suggest it might stem from a shared experience of battling with "the establishment." Both Trump and the Sussexes faced significant pushback from traditional institutions - in Trump's case, the political elite, and in the Sussexes' case, the British Royal Family. The sketch cleverly highlights this parallel by having Trump identify with their rebellious spirit.

Another interpretation focuses on the media narrative. Harry and Meghan, particularly in the early stages of their departure, received considerable negative press in certain segments of the British media. Trump, a master of media manipulation, may have positioned himself as a sympathetic figure to capitalize on public sentiment and draw attention to his own perceived mistreatment by the media. Supporting the Sussexes, therefore, served a dual purpose: bolstering his own narrative of victimhood and showcasing his supposed willingness to defend those he perceived as being unfairly targeted.

SNL's History of Trump Satire and the Evolving Landscape

This latest sketch builds upon SNL's long history of satirizing Donald Trump. Alec Baldwin's portrayal of the former president was a staple of the show for years, particularly during the run-up to and following the 2020 election. While Baldwin's portrayal often leaned towards broader caricature, Johnson's approach is more nuanced, focusing on vocal mimicry and capturing Trump's characteristic speech patterns and thought processes.

Knight's writing distinguishes itself by zeroing in on a specific, somewhat peculiar, aspect of Trump's personality - his admiration for the Sussexes - rather than simply rehashing familiar tropes. This shift demonstrates SNL's continued adaptation to the changing political landscape. As Trump fades further into the rearview mirror of political power, the comedic focus is shifting from direct imitation to dissecting the underlying motivations and contradictions that defined his persona.

The inclusion of a subtle detail - the alleged White House flag prominently displayed in the sketch - adds another layer of irony. It underscores the contrast between Trump's expressed admiration for those who "stand up to the system" and his own unwavering loyalty to the established order (when it suits him).

The sketch has garnered widespread praise for its sharp writing and Johnson's performance. Online commentators have lauded Knight's ability to distill a complex dynamic into a concise and hilarious piece of satire. As the 2026 election cycle begins to heat up, it's likely SNL will continue to use its platform to comment on the political climate, and Hilary Knight is proving to be a key voice in shaping that commentary.