In a fascinating exploration of how television's most iconic mob family would navigate today's political landscape, actor Michael Imperioli has sparked discussion by suggesting that many characters from HBO's legendary series "The Sopranos" would likely be supporters of former President Donald Trump if the show were produced in the current era.
The Immigrant Experience and Political Allegiances
During a recent interview with The Independent, Imperioli, who portrayed Christopher Moltisanti throughout the show's acclaimed run from 1999 to 2007, reflected on how the series' themes would translate to contemporary America. He emphasized that "The Sopranos" fundamentally explores the American dream through immigrant eyes, noting that the characters are all immigrants themselves, with many arriving undocumented when Italians initially came to the United States.
"I think that would be one of the big themes if it was made today: the current climate in the U.S. and what they're doing to immigrants," Imperioli explained. "The fact is that these characters are all immigrants, but I think a lot of them would probably be Trump supporters, oddly enough. So how do they reconcile those things?"
Contrasting Perspectives from the Creative Team
This viewpoint stands in intriguing contrast to earlier statements from the show's creator, David Chase. In a 2019 conversation with The New York Times, Chase offered a decidedly different take on how James Gandolfini's iconic character Tony Soprano would perceive the former president.
"He would think the guy was full of [expletive]," Chase stated bluntly. "Whether he thought he was a good president or not—I don't know that Tony thought much about that question at all, with anybody who was in office. But I know Tony would have thought Trump was penny-ante, in terms of his lying and presentation."
Predictions for Other Characters
Chase further speculated about how other members of the Soprano family might engage with contemporary politics, particularly suggesting that Robert Iler's character A.J. Soprano could find himself comfortably embedded within Trump's administration.
"He might be the new chief of staff," Chase predicted. "He'd be buddy-buddy with [White House Deputy Chief of Staff] Stephen Miller, I know that."
Imperioli's Personal Political Stance
The actor's commentary on Trump extends beyond hypothetical character analysis. In 2020, Imperioli publicly criticized Trump while endorsing President Joe Biden during the presidential campaign. Through a humorous Instagram post that referenced the show's fictional strip club Bada Bing, Imperioli shared an anecdote about Trump's imagined visit to the establishment.
"Trump stopped by the Bing one night," Imperioli wrote, according to Vanity Fair. "We gave him VIP treatment, everything on the house and he didn't tip anyone! Zero! Stiffed the whole staff…even Peppino the bathroom attendant. Unforgivable. VOTE BIDEN."
These contrasting perspectives from key figures behind one of television's most celebrated dramas highlight how fictional characters continue to serve as lenses through which audiences and creators examine complex real-world political and social dynamics. The enduring relevance of "The Sopranos" demonstrates how art continues to intersect with contemporary discourse, inviting viewers to consider how beloved characters might navigate today's polarized landscape.
