DONALD TRUMP hadn’t gotten far into his monologue before trouble occurred. An off-screen heckler interrupted with a cry of “Racist!”

    But the heckler was comedian Larry David, who before Trump arrived on stage had been seen impersonating Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders.

    “Larry, what are you doing?” Trump asked with a trace of exasperation.

    “I heard if I yelled that they’d give me US$$5,000,” said David with a shrug, echoing an offer reportedly made by pro-Hispanic groups protesting Trump’s appearance.

    Trump’s 90 minutes in the “SNL” spotlight followed weeks of growing anticipation, increasingly sharp criticism and mounting calls for him to be dumped from the show. But the billionaire developer and Republican presidential candidate hosted Saturday’s “SNL” as scheduled.

    In his monologue, Trump promised his appearance would be “something special” while noting that many people had asked him why he accepted the gig. His answer: “I had nothing better to do.”

    “But part of the reason I’m here,” he added, “is to show I can take a joke.”

    In one sketch, Trump was willing to mock his penchant for tweeting insults about people.

    “I hate to break it to you guys,” he told viewers, “but I’m not going to be in the next sketch.” Instead, off-camera, he live-tweeted comments that were flashed on the screen as “SNL” cast members performed:

    “Cecily Strong is not a nice person.”

    “Kate McKinnon was born stupid.”

    “I love SNL ... SNL loves me. But everyone in this sketch is a total loser who can bite my dust.”

    Another sketch featured Trump in the Oval Office in 2018 — two years into his presidency — savoring his many successes.

    By then, Syria is at peace. China is borrowing money from the U.S. Trump’s real-life daughter, Ivanka, is the administration’s secretary of the interior and announces the Washington Monument will be covered with gold.

    Until Saturday, just eight politicians had served as guest hosts in the NBC sketch comedy series’ 40 years. Hillary Clinton appeared in last month’s season premiere, but not as the host.

    The TV spotlight granted Trump fanned the flames of outrage sparked in June when he announced his Republican candidacy for president and described some Mexicans who are in the United States illegally as criminals and rapists.

    Trump’s comments in summer spurred NBC to sever its Miss Universe ties with him while declaring he would never return to his “Apprentice” role. But leading up to Saturday’s broadcast, NBC did not respond to the outcry against Trump that had built since “SNL” announced his host booking last month.

    It wasn’t Trump’s first turn as guest host. The billionaire developer and media personality presided in April 2004, a few weeks after he debuted as host of NBC’s “The Apprentice.” (SD-Agencies)