Mocking Trump emboldens his fans: Joyce

Comedians risk mocking Donald Trump's fans by satirising the US president, according to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

The Nationals leader says people need to be circumspect about "jumping in" and ridiculing the US president because, in a way, it mocks his fans too.

"I think in a way you have to be careful because you're laughing at the people who voted for him and that would be an insult," he said on ABC's Q&A on Monday.

"Don't start laughing at the people in Tennessee, don't start laughing at the people who don't have jobs ... because that's why Mr Trump is there."

Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek disagreed, saying that a leader can be made fun of was a measure of a democracy's health.

"I don't think, Barnaby, if people are making fun of me or of you, that they're disrespecting the people who voted Labor or National," she said on ABC.

"They're making fun of me or of you."