Saturday Night Live returned with a sharp political sketch targeting former President Donald Trump. The November 8, 2025, cold open featured James Austin Johnson reprising his role as Trump. The segment directly parodied a real incident where a man collapsed during a Trump press conference.
The sketch highlighted a week of electoral setbacks and policy controversies. It aired with comedian Nikki Glaser making her hosting debut.
How SNL Recreated a Surreal Oval Office Moment
James Austin Johnson’s Trump addressed reporters from behind the Resolute Desk. A performer portraying a press aide suddenly collapsed on the Oval Office rug. Johnson’s character barely acknowledged the medical emergency. He continued his monologue about political wins and grocery prices.
The scene mirrored actual events from earlier in the week. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the writers quickly incorporated the real collapse into their script. This demonstrated SNL’s ability to react to breaking political news.
The Trump character dismissed the incident with a signature quip. He then shifted focus to other topics like weight loss drugs and flight cancellations. The sketch effectively captured the surreal nature of modern political theater.
Election Results and Economic Anxieties Take Center Stage
The cold open also tackled Trump’s recent electoral disappointments. Johnson’s character referenced Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in the New York City mayoral race. The dialogue included controversial remarks about the new mayor’s background.
Economic concerns formed another major theme. The sketch addressed rising food costs and changes to SNAP benefits. Trump’s character made light of policies affecting low-income families.
These elements combined to create a comprehensive satire of current events. The writing balanced multiple news stories within a single coherent sketch. Deadline reported the segment successfully blended humor with pointed political commentary.
Nikki Glaser’s Successful SNL Hosting Debut
Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time. Her opening monologue covered topics ranging from New York City life to generational differences. She delivered her signature observational humor with confidence.
Musical guest Sombr performed his latest single. The artist recently received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. His energetic performance complemented the episode’s comedic tone.
The show also featured a surprise appearance by Pete Davidson during Weekend Update. This cameo generated significant audience reaction and social media buzz. Variety noted the episode maintained strong momentum throughout all segments.
The Enduring Power of Political Satire on SNL
This cold open continues SNL’s long tradition of political parody. James Austin Johnson has firmly established himself as the show’s definitive Trump impersonator. His performance captures both the mannerisms and rhetorical style of the former president.
The sketch demonstrates how late-night comedy adapts to chaotic news cycles. Writers transformed a bizarre real incident into effective satire within days. This quick turnaround keeps the show relevant in competitive media landscape.
Political sketches remain a cornerstone of SNL’s identity. They generate discussion and often influence public perception of current events. The show continues proving that comedy can thrive during politically turbulent times.
The SNL Trump cold open successfully turned recent political chaos into compelling comedy. James Austin Johnson’s performance anchored a sketch that felt both timely and timeless. Saturday Night Live continues to find humor in the unfolding drama of American politics.
Thought you’d like to know
Who played Trump in the November 8 SNL cold open?
James Austin Johnson portrayed Donald Trump. He has been SNL’s primary Trump impersonator for several seasons. His performance is widely praised for its accuracy.
What real event did the SNL sketch parody?
The sketch referenced an actual collapse during a Trump press conference. A man fainted while Trump was speaking in the Oval Office. SNL writers incorporated the incident into their political satire.
Was this Nikki Glaser’s first time hosting SNL?
Yes, this marked Nikki Glaser’s debut as SNL host. The comedian delivered a confident monologue and participated in multiple sketches. Her performance was well received by critics and audiences.
What political topics did the cold open address?
The sketch covered election losses, grocery prices, and benefit cuts. It specifically mentioned the New York City mayoral race results. These elements created a comprehensive political satire.
How does SNL create political sketches so quickly?
The writing team works intensively throughout the week. They monitor breaking news and adapt accordingly. This allows them to incorporate very recent events into their Saturday broadcast.
Where can viewers watch the full episode?
The episode is available on NBC’s streaming platform. Key sketches are also posted to SNL’s official YouTube channel. These platforms make the content accessible after the live broadcast.
Trusted Sources
The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Variety
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