Donald Trump was mocked throughout his presidential campaign in skits he ostensibly brushed off, at least until the election drew close. But when it came to being ridiculed post-election, he wasn’t happy, apparently expecting a new found reverence from those who once lampooned him in light of his new position.
Mr Trump grumbled on Twitter about his representation in skits on Saturday Night Live. "I watched parts of @nbcsnl Saturday Night Live last night. It is a totally one-sided, biased show - nothing funny at all. Equal time for us?"
He can “dish it out but can’t take it”, says The Late Show Stephen Colbert, who has some career advice for Mr Trump now he is the President-elect.
You don’t get to complain about being ridiculed, argues Colbert. Anyone who puts themselves forward as the leader of the United States puts themselves forward for intensive scrutiny, and that includes ridicule.
“Of course, now that he is going to be the president, business cannot occupy all of Donald Trump’s attention. He’s got to save that for Twitter. Like his recent tweets about Saturday Night Live," said Colbert.
“That’s not how it works, buddy. You’re going to be the president. That’s the guy who gets made fun of. If you wanted to be someone everyone loves, you should have run for ice cream man. And it’s the perfect job for someone who can dish it out but can’t take it.”
Mr Trump has not taken criticism directed his way lightly, despite using social media to launch no-holds-barred attacks on his opponents. During his campaign he suggested he could open up the First Amendment to make it easier for people to sue under libel laws and “win lots of money”. If executed, this is a promise that could have huge ramifications on free speech.
“With me, they’re not protected, because I’m not like other people," Mr Trump warned in Februry. "We’re gonna open up those libel laws, folks, and we’re gonna have people sue you like you never get sued before.”
