Former Obama Speechwriter Jon Lovett on How Trump Is Funny Like a “Clown With a Gun”

by

Behind Donald Trump’s stern frowns and scowls, there’s often a hidden sense of humor.

Jon Lovett, who is both an Obama speechwriter and a self-proclaimed comedian, stated that Trump has a good sense of humor. He finds it amusing when Trump addresses his critics with “Merry Christmas” during the holiday season. Lovett expressed this opinion to The Hollywood Reporter at the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal.

The U.S. president has caused significant damage to American politics since his return to the White House, according to Lovett. He argues, “Trump is a destructive force. He’s causing destruction to our nation.” However, it’s hard not to notice Trump’s unexpectedly humorous side, such as his pouty lower lip or when he openly displays anger.

As a gamer, when he dominates during interviews or performances, it’s like he’s using his unique brand of interaction with his supporters – the MAGA crowd. To me, that’s where his humor lies. It’s one of his talents, if you ask me.

He appeared on stage in Montreal to broadcast his “Lovett or Leave It” podcast live, welcoming Gianmarco Soresi, Roy Wood Jr., Mary Beth Barone, and Zach Zucker as his special guests.

Trump may not be everyone’s idea of funny, but Lovett asserts that “he has a biting wit, and it pays off at times. He’s savvy about television, knowing what will resonate with viewers. He understands when something is absurd or ridiculous, and he knows when to step back from the action, allowing the audience to watch it unfold.

He went on to say, ‘We can try to ignore it, but we’re taking a risk by doing so.’ For Lovett, who hosts the podcasts Pod Save America and Lovett or Leave It from Crooked Media, creating audio content provides an outlet for all his creative pursuits. ‘I get to write, perform, discuss politics, and add comedy to it all,’ he explains.”

“He continued by stating, ‘We can act like it’s not a concern, but we’re putting ourselves in danger if we do.’ Lovett, the host of both Pod Save America and Lovett or Leave It podcasts from Crooked Media, finds that producing audio content lets him satisfy all his creative aspirations. ‘I get to write, act, delve into politics, and include some humor,’ he clarifies.

Instead, Lovett took an unusual path to express his humor. “After college, I didn’t perform at open mics like most comedians,” he reveals. “My journey to telling jokes on stage wasn’t typical. I’ve always felt a bit of an outsider in the comedy world,” he confesses.

Furthermore, Lovett underscores the difficulty in crafting humor within Trump’s environment filled with diversions and political discord. He states that it may prove challenging for posterity to comprehend just how shortsighted and perilous American politics have grown.

One approach could be to counter Trump’s rhetoric with humor, both by the Democratic Party and its supporters. This strategy would make us “joyful advocates,” as the serious side of politics can often feel draining, humiliating, and filled with constant worry.

As a gamer, I’ve got to keep my focus, and that means a balance between being dead serious when needed, but also not afraid to poke fun at those who act like Trump does – a jester with a weapon. The weapon doesn’t diminish the fact that he’s a jester, and his jester-like behavior doesn’t negate the fact he’s wielding a weapon, that’s just how I see it.

The Just For Laughs comedy festival continues through Sunday.

Read More

2025-07-26 19:24