Donald Trump’s tariffs featured prominently in a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, particularly during the "Weekend Update" segment. The implementation of a substantial 145 percent tariff on China provided SNL cast member Bowen Yang the opportunity to once again portray "Chen Biao," a fictional Chinese trade minister.
In a humorous take, Chen Biao, portrayed by Yang, commented on the seemingly arbitrary nature of the 145 percent tariff, while also acknowledging that these tariffs would result in significant challenges for both countries. He posed a rhetorical question about which nation is more prepared to endure these hardships for national pride, comparing the ancient history of China with the United States, which recently sent Katy Perry to space.
Earlier in the day, Donald Trump had announced that specific products, including electronics and computers, would be exempt from the reciprocal tariffs on China, a move that SNL also covered in their segment. Yang’s portrayal of the Chinese trade minister highlighted this update, noting, "You can’t live without our technology," but jesting that China would manage without American products such as Newman’s Own salad dressing.
