Dave Chappelle Pleads with Donald Trump to ‘Do Better’ After Praising Jimmy Carter in ‘SNL’ Monologue

Dave Chappelle is sending a pointed message to Donald Trump just days before the Inauguration. On Saturday, Jan. 18, the comedian hosted the first “Saturday Night Live” episode of 2025 where he delivered a nearly 17-minute monologue which included a passionate plea to the President-elect. After weighing in on the Los Angeles wildfires and Sean “Diddy” Combs’ alleged “freak offs,” the 51-year-old struck a serious tone as he first praised former President Jimmy Carter, recalling the late politician’s past visit to Palestine and book about the region. “I will never forget the images of a former American president, walking with little to no security while thousands of Palestinians were cheering him on, and when I saw that picture, it brought tears to my eyes. I said, ‘I don’t know if that’s a good president, but that right there, I am sure, is a great man.’” The comedian then addressed Trump directly, saying, “The presidency is no place for petty people, so Donald Trump — I know you watch the show — man, 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. I mean this when I say this, good luck, please, do better next time. Please, all of us, do better next time. Do not forget your humanity and please have empathy for displaced people, whether they’re in the Palisades or Palestine.”