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Dave Chappelle’s return to Saturday Night Live on January 20, 2025, delivered another thought-provoking, irreverent, and candid monologue. As expected, Chappelle didn’t shy away from addressing the political and cultural issues of the moment, blending humor and hard truths to reflect the tension in the air while showcasing his trademark comedic edge.
One of the more provocative moments of the night came when Chappelle reflected on the devastating California wildfires. He joked about the public’s reaction to the destruction of celebrity homes, quipping, “That’s why I hate poor people. They can’t see past their own pain.”
Chappelle continued, diving deeper into the tragedy’s implications and blending humor with dark reality: “The fires were the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history... because people in L.A. have nice stuff.” In his signature style, he even suggested the absurd possibility that “God hates these people.” Yet, he didn’t neglect the human toll, acknowledging that both wealthy and working-class families suffered significant losses. “A lot of poor people were affected too,” he added. “A lot of regular working-class families lost their homes too.”
Chappelle also touched on the challenges of being a public figure in today’s volatile political landscape. Using a humorous analogy, he compared the experience of being famous to “storming the beaches of Normandy in World War Two… but I still look like this.” The juxtaposition of his smiling demeanor with the weight of scrutiny and potential backlash was both comedic and poignant.
In one of the evening’s most heartfelt moments, Chappelle paid tribute to former president Jimmy Carter, recalling a personal memory of Carter’s visit to Israel during his later years. Chappelle reflected on Carter’s legacy, emphasizing the importance of empathy and humanity in leadership. “I don’t know if that’s a good president,” Chappelle remarked, “but that right there, I am sure, is a great man.” This reflection served as a reminder of values that transcend politics—compassion and courage.
True to form, Chappelle didn’t shy away from discussing Donald Trump and the current political climate. “Donald Trump, I know you watch the show... Please do better next time. Do not forget your humanity,” he said, delivering a direct and pointed message to the former president.
This monologue marked yet another memorable moment in Chappelle’s SNL history, continuing his tradition of addressing political and cultural divides with humor and honesty.
Chappelle’s return in January 2025 marks his fourth time hosting the iconic late-night show. His appearances have consistently coincided with major political events, often capturing the national mood while providing sharp, insightful commentary on the social and political climate.
On November 12, 2016, just days after Donald Trump’s unexpected victory in the 2016 presidential election, Chappelle hosted SNL. His monologue was a mix of humor and reflection, tackling the election’s polarizing outcome. “I’m going to give him a chance,” he said, “and we, the historically disenfranchised, demand that he give us one too.”
Almost four years later, Chappelle returned to address the lingering effects of the Trump presidency, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the nation’s deepening racial and political divisions. “We’re all in this together,” he urged, encouraging empathy and unity.
During a midterm elections-themed monologue two years later , Chappelle tackled cultural and political issues ranging from Kanye West’s controversies to the nation’s growing political divide. As always, his sharp wit challenged both the left and right to look beyond superficial narratives.
Through these appearances, Chappelle has evolved from a comedian making sharp political commentary to a cultural voice engaging with the deeper emotional and societal issues of our time. His latest performance reaffirmed his ability to make us laugh while challenging us to think deeply about politics, fame, and what it means to be human in an increasingly fractured world.