The latest cold open on “Saturday Night Live,” aired just before the 2026 midterm elections, took aim at President Donald Trump’s tendency to critique men’s physical attributes. The show featured a humorous exchange between James Austin Johnson, portraying Trump, and Tom Hanks in the role of David S. Pumpkins. Johnson, as Trump, humorously praised Hanks’s portrayal for its physical appeal.
The satirical sketch also alluded to rapper Nicki Minaj’s recent involvement in Trump’s campaign events. SNL suggested that Minaj’s decision to appear alongside the president might have negatively impacted her career. The comedy show used this segment to highlight Trump’s controversial connections and the broader implications of celebrity endorsements in politics.
This cold open set the stage for the upcoming elections, delivering political commentary in a comedic format. Musical guest Gracie Abrams performed, with Inde Navarrette hosting the episode, creating a blend of entertainment and political satire that characterized the evening.
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