James Austin Johnson Brings Trump to 'SNL U.K.' in First Cast Crossover

By Marcus Bennett

James Austin Johnson made the first crossover between the "SNL" and "SNL U.K." casts on Saturday night, appearing as Donald Trump in the British show's cold open. The sketch placed Trump in a meeting between U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, played by George Fouracres, and Ukraine's President Zelenskyy, played by Freddie Meredith.

The premise was simple. Zelenskyy asked Britain for help restoring American support. "We need America to restore the Starlink internet. Without it, we are vulnerable to drone strikes," Meredith's Zelenskyy said. "Also, it is very difficult to stream 'Celebrity Traitors.' I'm very behind, no spoilers, but I think Richard E. Grant is going to go all the way."

Fouracres' Burnham promised action: "Well, I can promise you now that I'll raise all of this with President Trump at the first opportunity."

Johnson then entered with his Trump impression. "Did somebody say Richard E. Grant?" he said.

What did Trump want in the U.K.?

Johnson's Trump said he was in town "to see my favorite comedian" who is "performing live at high court in the role of defendant" — a reference to the Russell Brand trial.

He then pitched Burnham on a job swap. "I take over the U.K., you take over America," he said. "I tell ya, that place is a real mess, you're going to hate it. It's an awful, awful job. It's a terrible place full of disgusting people, I don't know what the hell happened. C'— job swap with me!"

Fouracres' Burnham refused: "I can't swap jobs with you now, cocker! I've barely gotten started. People don't even hate me yet!"

The sketch's sharpest turn came when Johnson's Trump turned on the "SNL U.K." cast itself. He mocked British comedy, questioned why no British performer could play him, and took a swipe at the country's leading drama school: "Some of these people went to RADA! What is that, the Royal Academy of Dogshit Actors?"

He also complained that M&S sells too many variations of Percy Pigs.

How did the sketch end?

Johnson's Trump abandoned the swap and exited with a parting line to Zelenskyy: "Fine, I'll go home. And Zelenskyy, let me know if you need anything, anything at all. Provided it's not help with war."

Fouracres' Burnham closed with the sketch's thesis: "Sorry Zelenskyy, me old mocker. But as dire as things might be, what matters most is that we all be nice to this insane man."

What does this change for the franchise?

The appearance confirms that the two casts now share one comedic universe. It gives "SNL U.K." access to Johnson's established Trump, the most recognizable impression in the American franchise, and it opens the door for further transatlantic guest appearances as the British show builds its own identity.