Watch: Kenan Thompson claims Project 2025 could 'kill democracy' in DNC speech

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Kenan Thompson, the longest-serving cast member of 'Saturday Night Live,'  took the stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Wednesday, August 21.

Thompson performed a sketch that parodies Project 2025, a controversial document that has sparked considerable debate during the convention.

Kenan Thompson hosts Project 2025 Sketch at DNC

According to DNC officials, the sketch was a game show-style spoof, poking fun at the 922-page plan, which has been criticized for proposing a significant expansion of presidential power. The document suggests replacing up to 50,000 government workers with supporters of former president Donald Trump, should he win the upcoming election.

Throughout the convention, several speakers have aimed at Project 2025, bringing a large copy of the book on stage and reading select passages to highlight its more contentious points. The document has become a focal point of criticism, with many expressing concern over its implications.

Thompson, who has been with 'Saturday Night Live' since 2003, is known for his comedic talent and versatility. He previously starred in Nickelodeon classics like 'All That' and 'Kenan & Kel,' as well as the film 'Good Burger.'

In recent years, Thompson has also taken on hosting duties for major events, including the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022 and the People’s Choice Awards in 2021 and 2022.

Project 2025 is a comprehensive 922-page blueprint that advocates for a significant increase in presidential authority, including the dismissal of up to 50,000 government employees to be replaced by loyalists of former president Donald Trump.

Although Trump has frequently attempted to distance himself from Project 2025, NBC News reports that the plan's key elements are closely tied to a potential Trump win in the upcoming November election.

Sen JD Vance, who is Trump’s running mate, contributed the foreword to a book by one of the authors behind Project 2025, though its release was postponed until after the upcoming election, according to Poynter.

Paul Dans, who was chief of staff at the US Office of Personnel Management during Trump’s presidency, is involved in Project 2025, along with John McEntee, the former director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office under Trump.

Comedian Kenan Thompson aims at GOP's Project 2025

Kenan Thompson brought his comedic flair to the Democratic National Convention (DNC), using his performance to humorously critique the contentious Project 2025. Thompson, well-known for his roles on 'Saturday Night Live,' held up an oversized version of the document, which has been labeled as the Republican playbook for enacting restrictive laws that could infringe on personal freedoms, including reproductive health.

During his sketch, Thompson conducted a series of mock interviews with professionals like an OB-GYN and a civil servant from the US Department of Education. These segments, while comedic, highlighted the serious consequences that could arise from the implementation of Project 2025.

The plan, which suggests replacing tens of thousands of government workers with Trump supporters and dramatically expanding presidential power, has sparked widespread concern.

Thompson didn't hold back in his critique, quipping, "You ever see a document that could kill a small animal and a democracy at the same time? Here it is." His performance struck a chord with viewers, leading to a surge of discussion on X, where users are applauding his ability to blend humor with a critical examination of the potential dangers posed by the plan.

Thompson's performance wasn't just about laughs—it aimed to bring attention to the serious implications of the plan.

Kenan Thompson’s Project 2025 comedy sketch ignites discussions online

The impact of Thompson’s sketch was immediate, with social media platform X buzzing with reactions. Viewers were quick to praise Thompson’s ability to use comedy to underscore the potential risks associated with Project 2025. Comments flooded in, with one user emphatically writing, "SAY NO TO PROJECT 2025," while another shared, "I laughed out loud when he said that!!!" 

Another user described the moment as "brilliant and true!"

Thompson’s biting line, "You ever see a document that could kill a small animal and a democracy at the same time? Here it is," was singled out as a "mic-dropping moment" by viewers.

Another user wrote, "Haha, he is just killing it."

A user praised the comedian, stating, "In a world full of chaos it’s people like Kenan Thompson that remind me that there are level-headed and good people out there. Dude seems like the chillest person on earth and I am glad he is willing to go to the DNC regardless of the hate he might get for it. Good guy."

Not all feedback was positive. One user commented, "I like that even as the Convention focus on aspects of America's critical mission this election year, we seem to be actually enjoying American politics for the first time that most of us can easily remember."

Another user criticized, "Crazy though he's up there supporting a candidate nobody casted a vote for yet is talking about democracy? Can we just finally say 60% of Americans don't even know what that word means but have been programmed to sat it." (sic)

One user slammed Kenan for harping on Trump's support for Project 2025 even after the former president denied it, saying, "A made up boogeyman that Trump doesn’t even support. That’s all you got?" 

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.