Jon Lovett: Trump’s Humor Is Like a “Clown With a Gun”

Jon Lovett, a former speechwriter for President Barack Obama, shared his insights on the humor of Donald Trump during a recent appearance at the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. Lovett characterized Trump as a complex figure who, despite his often serious demeanor, possesses a unique comedic talent. “Trump’s very funny. When he says Merry Christmas to all the haters and losers, that’s funny,” Lovett stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

While Lovett acknowledges the chaotic impact Trump has had on U.S. politics, he also highlights the former president’s ability to engage an audience. “When he steamrolls in an interview, or when he’s on stage, he’s doing his version of crowd work with his MAGA base,” Lovett argued. This ability to connect through humor, even if it’s often dark or cruel, plays into Trump’s broader skill set, according to Lovett.

During his live podcast presentation, Lovett or Leave It, Lovett was joined by fellow comedians Gianmarco Soresi, Roy Wood Jr., Mary Beth Barone, and Zach Zucker. He emphasized that while Trump may not fit the traditional mold of a stand-up comedian, he possesses a keen understanding of entertainment. “He knows what’s going to play well. He has a great sense for television,” Lovett added.

Lovett views the current political landscape as a challenging environment for comedy, noting, “It’ll be hard to describe to future generations how stupid and dangerous politics in America have become.” He believes that comedy can serve as a form of resistance against figures like Trump and the divisive nature of contemporary politics.

In navigating these turbulent waters, Lovett encourages comedians and political commentators alike to blend humor with seriousness. “We have to stay invested, and that’s going to be a mix of seriousness when it’s called for, but also a willingness to make fun of these people for being fools,” he said. He used the metaphor of Trump as “a clown with a gun,” arguing that this encapsulates the dangerous yet absurd nature of his presence in American politics.

As a co-founder of Crooked Media, Lovett expressed how his work on podcasts allows him to merge his interests in writing, performing, and politics. “It’s writing. It’s performing. It’s politics. It’s comedy. And I get to do all of them,” he explained, reflecting on his unconventional path to the comedy stage.

The Just For Laughs festival, which runs through Sunday, continues to showcase a diverse range of comedic talent, highlighting the ongoing intersection of humor and serious political discourse. Lovett’s insights serve as a reminder of the power of comedy in addressing societal challenges while engaging audiences in thoughtful reflection.