Set for November 7, this will actually be Trump’s second time hosting the late night variety show, though it’s certainly more high-profile than the last time he hosted in 2004 for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is his unwavering lead in the race to secure the Republican presidential nomination for 2016.
While it’s been awhile since Trump has appeared on SNL in the flesh, he’s long been impersonated by former cast member Darrell Hammond and, most recently, current cast member Taran Killam. Apparently, Trump’s been watching, remarking positively on Twitter about Killam’s impression of him (and getting in a jab at Hillary Clinton, too).
“@scottferson: .@TaranKillam plays a way better fake @realDonaldTrump than a real @HillaryClinton plays herself @nbcsnl“
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2015
Trump’s zinger referred to Clinton’s appearance on SNL earlier this month, playing a bartender who gave advice to, well, herself (as played by SNL‘s Kate McKinnon). But, unlike Trump’s upcoming SNL gig, Clinton didn’t host the show.
While NBC removed Trump from Celebrity Apprentice over his derogatory remarks about Mexican immigrants in June, NBC chair Bob Gerenblatt previously said that he’s “absolutely” welcome to appear on NBC’s late night talk shows. When asked why Trump has amassed such a political following this summer during a press tour, Greenblatt surmised (via The Hollywood Reporter) that people are looking for a star. “I guess people are just, in the political world, looking for somebody who just speaks their mind, regardless of anything else. He does that.”
Pop singer Sia will be the musical guest on the November 7 show, which is sure to offer equal helpings of awkward moments, and high ratings.
