The SNL writers’ room erupted in tears and emotional breakdown when Donald Trump was announced as the 2016 election winner, according to Dave Chappelle, who witnessed the meltdown firsthand while hosting the show that week.
Key Takeaways
- Dave Chappelle revealed SNL writers were in tears and disbelief when Trump won the 2016 election, showcasing the disconnect between coastal elites and middle America.
- Chappelle and fellow comedian Mo Amer noted that Trump’s victory was expected in places like Ohio and Texas, but completely shocked those in New York.
- Looking back at his 2016 SNL monologue, in which he suggested giving Trump a chance, Chappelle compared it to a photograph capturing a moment in history.
- The comedians’ conversation highlighted how differently Trump’s victory was perceived across America, with coastal media centers being blindsided while heartland states anticipated the outcome.
Liberal Elite Meltdown: SNL Writers Stunned by Trump’s Victory
Dave Chappelle recently opened up about the dramatic scene he witnessed in the Saturday Night Live writers’ room following President Trump’s 2016 victory. The revelation came during a conversation with fellow comedian Mo Amer for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series. What Chappelle described perfectly illustrates the disconnect between coastal elites and the American heartland that continues to this day. The emotional breakdown among SNL’s writing staff stands in stark contrast to how average Americans in states like Ohio viewed the election results.
“Man, when they called Donald Trump the winner, that shut the writers’ room down. You should have seen them in there. Boy, they were crying … They couldn’t believe that this was happening,” said Dave Chappelle, comedian and actor.
The conversation revealed a striking difference in perspective between entertainment industry professionals in New York and citizens in middle America. Mo Amer, who lives in Texas, admitted he “knew it the whole time” that Trump would win. Chappelle, who resides in Ohio, acknowledged the geographical divide in election expectations, pointing out that from the windows of 30 Rock in Manhattan, a Clinton victory appeared certain – a miscalculation that liberal media outlets would repeat for years to come.
A Moment Frozen in Time: Chappelle’s Historic Monologue
Looking back at his now-famous 2016 post-election SNL monologue, Chappelle offered a mature perspective on his call for Americans to give Trump a chance. Rather than disowning those remarks as many celebrities have done with their previous statements about Trump, Chappelle views his monologue as an authentic snapshot of a pivotal moment in American history. This thoughtful reflection stands in contrast to the knee-jerk resistance that characterized much of the entertainment industry’s response to Trump’s presidency.
“Yeah, because you live in Texas and I live in Ohio, but at 30 Rock, it looked like Hillary Clinton was going to win. I don’t know what looks different from those windows. But yeah, man, it surprised me,” said Dave Chappelle, comedian and actor.
The stark difference in reaction between the SNL writers and Americans in states like Ohio and Texas perfectly illustrates why President Trump’s victory shocked the coastal media establishment while seeming perfectly predictable to millions of everyday Americans. This disconnect continues today, with many media figures still struggling to understand the appeal of Trump’s policies to working-class voters who feel forgotten by Washington elites. Chappelle’s willingness to acknowledge these different perspectives demonstrates why he remains one of America’s most respected comedians.
Creative Partnerships Born in Challenging Times
The friendship between Chappelle and Amer deepened during the pandemic when Chappelle created a safe bubble for comedians to perform at his Ohio property. This creative oasis became crucial for artists struggling with the isolation and uncertainty of COVID lockdowns. Their conversation revealed how this period of adversity actually strengthened creative bonds and led to new opportunities, including the development of Amer’s Netflix series “Mo,” which Chappelle helped inspire.
Chappelle’s commitment to supporting fellow artists extends beyond mere encouragement. He directly influenced Amer’s career trajectory by suggesting he create a short film, advice that eventually led to Amer’s acclaimed series. While many celebrities engage in virtue signaling without meaningful action, Chappelle demonstrates genuine support for his peers, taking time for an interview despite his well-known reluctance to participate in media appearances. This authenticity helps explain why Chappelle continues to resonate with audiences across the political spectrum even as other comedians alienate conservatives.
