Taran Killam Slams 'SNL' for 'Embarrassing and Shameful' Decision to Let Donald Trump Host

In an interview with NPR, the variety show alum detailed what it was really like behind the scenes when Trump took over 30 Rock and why having him take the reigns probably wasn't show creator Lorne Michaels' brightest idea.

"It was rough. It was not enjoyable at the time and something that only grows more embarrassing and shameful as time goes on," Killam explained. "I don't necessarily put so much weight into [the idea of] Trump hosting 'SNL' helping him become president, but there's definitely something where it normalizes him and it makes it OK for him to be part of the conversation. And I don't think the intention of having him on was ever politically based. I sincerely believe that. But I don't think it was considered — the implications that it had then and could have moving forward."

"I think looking back ... there's nothing good I can take from that week," he continued. "Because he's not an enjoyable person to be around — he's from a different class; he's from a different way of life. There was never any common ground."

The actor said the cast could "hear protests during our table read" as Trump's detractors shouted "No Trump!" outside. "I am embarrassed, upon reflection, just because of how everyone was right," he says now, "Every person outside of that building protesting was absolutely right."

Killam also shared what he considers "the most heartbreaking moment" from Trump's week. "We're at the host dinner, and he brings Melania and he brings Ivanka and Jared [Kushner]. And he says [to Lorne Michaels], 'You know, Lorne, if I don't win this thing, I'm gonna be fine. We just bought this beautiful piece of property in Scotland. If I have to be president, I'm never gonna see that thing.' And that that was his priority in that moment, that that was even a consideration, made me sad."

"SNL" has been railing on POTUS pretty regularly now, something Killam had no problem calling them out for.

"It certainly feels like there's some hypocrisy there. I guess you could say, 'Oh, they're righting wrongs.' And I don't even think it's righting wrongs. I think the show tries to — and in particular, Lorne's outlook is — play to both sides," he added. "Play to the masses, play to whatever the popular opinion is. But, boy, they could definitely mine some comedy out of owning up to it, huh?"

Taran's run at "SNL" ended in 2016, after he was let go six years into his seven-season contract.