Dave Chappelle Ends ‘SNL’ Monologue with a Plea to Trump: ‘Do Better Next Time’

Dave Chappelle delivers a powerful 17-min SNL monologue, blending humor, politics, and a heartfelt plea for empathy.
Dave Chappelle

Last night, Dave Chappelle returned to the Saturday Night Live stage for the fourth time.

During his opening monologue, he touched on topics ranging from the Los Angeles fires to global politics. In a nearly 17-minute set—unusually long for an SNL opener—the comedian ended on a serious note, addressing President-elect Donald Trump directly.

“I know you watch the show,” Chappelle joked, before delivering a message to Trump. “Remember: Whether people voted for you or not, they’re all counting on you. Whether they like you or not, they’re all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you. And I mean this when I say this. Good luck. Please, do better next time.”

Before his message to Trump, Chappelle paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away last month. Reflecting on Carter’s 2006 visit to Israel and Palestinian territories, Chappelle shared how deeply moved he was to see an American president walking among cheering Palestinians with minimal security.

“I don’t know if that’s a good president,” Chappelle said, “but that right there, I am sure, is a great man.”

Chappelle also reinforced the importance of humanity in leadership. “The presidency is no place for petty people,” he stated. “Do not forget your humanity,” Chappelle implored. “And please, have empathy for displaced people, whether they’re in the Palisades or Palestine.”

Chappelle’s monologue wasn’t just a critique but a plea for a better America.

Check out Chappelle’s full monologue.

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