Pete Davidson Unveils Trump SNL Bombshell: How Far Trump Went to Skip Reading Aloud Before a Live Audience

Donald Trump left an enduring impression on the Saturday Night Live crew when he hosted the renowned sketch comedy program more than a decade ago.

The moment occurred in November 2015, at a point when Trump was five months into his bid for the 2016 presidency against Hillary Clinton.

Today, eighteen months into a second term, his appearance on the longtime show has resurfaced.

For many, the moment underscores Trump’s long track record of bungled lines, a pattern that began well before his teleprompter issues. Improvising and steering away from prepared remarks has become a defining feature of his second term.

Former “SNL” cast member Pete Davidson recalled that Trump pulled a comparable stunt to dodge reading aloud in front of an audience.

‘He Doesn’t Really Know How to Read’: Pete Davidson’s Shocking Claim About Donald Trump Sends Social Media Into a Frenzy

Improvisation and a notable fondness for creating distractions during scripted speeches have emerged as hallmarks of Trump’s second tenure in the White House.

Guests hosts are known for kicking off the show with a monologue and for taking part in a number of sketches. Consequently, hosts are expected to rehearse their lines with the cast. According to Davidson, Trump was not entirely on board with the process.

During a 2018 appearance on “Open Late with Peter Rosenberg,” the comedian recalled his pre-show interaction with the real estate tycoon prior to the November 7, 2015 episode. “He seemed off all week. He, like, faked a phone call during the table read,” Davidson related.

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“In the middle of the table read he like — he had a flip phone — and he just, right as we started, he was like, ‘Hello.’ He goes, ‘Oh, fantastic. ‘Oh, OK. Great,’ and then he hung up, and he goes, ‘Hey everybody, my book just went No. 1,’” the recollection continued.

Davidson added, “I swear it went like that. And we all were like, yo, that phone didn’t ring, and like, also, how did he have time to say that? Cause you answered and went, ‘Yup, oh my God.’”

The tale did not surprise Trump critics. One person tweeted, “Classic Trump. From one lie to the next. He is constantly lying and believes everyone is as gullible as MAGA.”

“Trump is a narcissist,” a critic scoffed. “He probably felt inadequate in front of so many smart & witty writers. He had to do something to make himself feel more important. Faking a call sounds like Trump. Such a fragile ego.”

A third observer remarked, “That’s crazy. Only a complete moron would do something like that.”

Haters frequently claim Trump is illiterate, noting his tendency to stumble over common words and invent others.

Davidson added to the chatter in 2016, discussing Trump’s 2015 “SNL” appearance with Opie Radio by saying, “He doesn’t really know how to read, and he loves to improv.”

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Danielle Brooks

I am a staff writer at New York Beacon, where I focus on culture, entrepreneurship, and the emerging voices redefining Black America. My work highlights innovators, artists, and founders whose stories often unfold beyond mainstream headlines but shape communities in meaningful ways. Through precise reporting and thoughtful storytelling, I aim to document progress, challenge narratives, and contribute to a stronger Black press tradition.