Donald Trump’s Hilarious Return to Saturday Night Live: A Look at the Latest SNL Cold Open
Saturday Night Live (SNL) continues to serve as a comedic lens through which American politics is examined. Few public figures have proven more fertile for the SNL writers’ room than the former president himself. The recent Donald Trump Saturday Night Live cold open illustrates exactly why viewers return week after week for sharp satire and hilarious impressions.
Trump’s Unforgettable Impact on SNL
From the moment Donald Trump first appeared on the SNL stage as both host and satirical target, he has remained an ongoing source of comic gold. The May 10th episode’s cold open, which featured James Austin Johnson’s spot-on Trump impression, reminded fans how SNL can turn politics into must-see television. Johnson’s comedic take on Trump’s newly-elected American Pope and playful jabs at news headlines had the live audience laughing from the start.
The bit quickly escalated with surprise appearances by Cecily Strong as Jeanine Pirro, bringing her signature energy and a bottle of wine, and Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth. Their send-up of political and media personalities keeps SNL at the heart of cultural conversation. For a detailed recap of this memorable episode, check out CNN’s in-depth coverage.
Star-Studded Cameos and Comedy Highlights
What makes Donald Trump Saturday Night Live sketches resonate is the blend of consistent satire and unexpected moments. The Mother’s Day-themed opening began warmly but took a sharp comedic turn as Trump’s entrance sent the cast “packing.” Strong’s return as Pirro delivered a classic wine gag, and moments later, Jost’s entrance drew big laughs from the audience. The writers skillfully incorporate real news, injecting current events into their parodies.
Comedy fans also enjoyed Walton Goggins hosting the episode, with Arcade Fire as the musical guest. The ensemble’s ability to blend topical jokes, celebrity impersonations, and crowd-pleasing surprises keeps viewers and critics alike tuning in. For a full breakdown of all the sketches, read Entertainment Weekly’s episode recap.
Why SNL’s Trump Sketches Stand Out
SNL’s treatment of Donald Trump has become iconic. The writers don’t simply lampoon; they elevate political satire by capturing the essence of current American culture. Whether it is clever wordplay about “Chicago-style popes” or tongue-in-cheek references to legal scandals, the Donald Trump Saturday Night Live sketches continuously adapt to the news cycle. This ensures the material always feels fresh.
As detailed in The New York Times’ arts coverage, SNL’s approach mixes reverence for classic comedic traditions with a modern twist. The current cast, with James Austin Johnson leading Trump impersonations, is praised for capturing not just Trump’s mannerisms but also the unique absurdity of modern politics.
The Lasting Appeal of Political Satire
What keeps viewers coming back to Saturday Night Live year after year is its ability to capture the mood of the nation. When it comes to Donald Trump, SNL’s sketches go beyond parody—they offer commentary on the times. The writers and performers use humor to address complex political developments in a way that is accessible and entertaining for everyone.
With surprise cameos, clever writing, and spot-on performances, the Donald Trump Saturday Night Live cold open reminds audiences why SNL remains a staple of American television. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or just tuning in, these sketches offer a unique way to laugh at—and reflect on—the current political landscape.
Want more SNL highlights and recaps? Don’t miss new episodes every Saturday, and explore more about recent sketches and cast news through trusted sources like CNN and EW.