Trump suggests networks should face ‘retribution’ for ‘hit jobs’ after SNL mocks president

President decries media as ‘enemy of the people’ after major backlash over declaring national emergency on the border

Donald Trump attacked the media on Sunday as the “enemy of the people” and suggested networks like NBC should face “retribution” over “total Republican hit jobs”.

The president’s angry Twitter rant arrived after Saturday Night Live once again mocked his administration during its latest episode’s cold opening, featuring actor Alec Baldwin, who impersonated his Friday announcement declaring a national emergency from the White House Rose Garden.

“Nothing funny about tired Saturday Night Live on Fake News NBC!” Mr Trump wrote on Sunday morning. “Question is, how do the Networks get away with these total Republican hit jobs without retribution? Likewise for many other shows?”

“Very unfair and should be looked into,” he added. “This is the real Collusion!”

Mr Trump then posted a message seemingly capping off his frustrations, writing in all capital letters: “THE RIGGED AND CORRUPT MEDIA IS THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!”

Saturday Night Live wasn’t the only place where the president’s national emergency declaration was the subject of scrutiny and major criticism, however.

Mr Trump’s decision to circumvent lawmakers in his efforts to fulfil a campaign promise and build a wall sprawling the US-Mexico border faced backlash from members of his own party, who called the move “a mistake”.

“I wish he wouldn’t have done it,” said Republican Senator Chuck Grassley.

Democrats also branded the national emergency as “fake” and unnecessary. Progressive newcomer Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Texas Democrat Joaquin Castro announced a new resolution that would rebuke the measure and could potentially block plans for the wall if enough Republicans were to support that move, leading to a foolproof majority.

Otherwise, the president was expected to veto any Democratic measures challenging his declaration.

As Mr Trump said on Friday, his national emergency can now be expected to face a lengthy and exhaustive legal battle. Three lawsuits have already been filed and Democratic attorneys general nationwide are also considering creating a coalition to file another federal suit.

On Sunday the president also touted his administration’s work on a “China Trade Deal,” claiming, “big progress being made on soooo many different fronts!”

He added: “Our Country has such fantastic potential for future growth and greatness on an even higher level!”