Saturday Night Live is back and they did not hold back. This week's episode went straight for the headlines tackling the oh-so-interesting White House meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. But wait there is more they threw in Elon Musk for good measure chainsaw and all. Yep SNL is bringing the chaos and comedy as only they can.
SNL's Cold Open Recreates Trump-Zelensky Clash with a Dose of Absurdity and Mike Myers' Surprise Appearance
The show kicked off with a skit imagining what went down at that Trump-Zelensky meeting and let's just say SNL's version is well extra. Mikey Day played Zelensky and James Austin Johnson reprised his role as Donald Trump. Bowen Yang was also there as Vice President JD Vance adding to the comedic mix.
The sketch starts right away with the awkwardness. Johnson's Trump welcomes Zelensky to his "incredible trap" aka the Oval Office joking it's going to be a "big beautiful trap" and they are going to "attack him very soon for no reason." Then Bowen Yang's JD Vance jumps in complaining that Zelensky has not said "thank you" enough. Seriously the skit highlights the tension everyone was talking about.
But the real surprise? Mike Myers showed up . Yes Austin Powers Mike Myers himself popped in as Elon Musk. And he was not just there to stand around. Myers' Musk enters wielding a chainsaw wearing a "TECH SUPPORT" T-shirt just like the real Musk did at a White House meeting once. He asks Trump "Donald what are you doing in my office?" before joking "You know I'm the president now right? I'm kidding I'm kidding — maybe not." It is pure SNL madness.
The jokes kept coming fast and furious. Johnson's Trump talks about "mass firings" in government because of cost cuts from the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) office a nod to Dogecoin and Musk's internet persona. Myers' Musk chimes in saying they are firing "nonessential employees like air traffic controllers" because "some of the planes are going to land upside down. But then the luggage falls right into your lap and you're ready to go." Darkly funny right?
Highlights and Punchlines: SNL's Sharpest Jokes from the Trump-Zelensky-Musk Skit
SNL did not miss a beat packing the skit with zingers and timely references. Here are some of the standout jokes:
- Trump's "Gaza Hotel and Casino" Intro: Johnson's Trump introduces himself as "President and CEO of Gaza Hotel and Casino" setting the tone for the skit's bizarre humor right away.
- Trump on "Star Trek" and DEI: Johnson’s Trump thanks Zelensky for "dressing like casual ‘Star Trek,’" saying he loves "Star Trek" because "there’s no DEI." This line perfectly satirizes certain political talking points about diversity.
- JD Vance's "Thank You" Rant: Bowen Yang’s exaggerated rant at Zelensky about not saying "thank you" enough is hilarious physical comedy and highlights the perceived pressure on Ukraine to show gratitude for aid.
- Musk's Chainsaw Entrance: Mike Myers wielding a chainsaw as Elon Musk is just peak SNL absurdity. It's a visual gag that instantly grabs attention and sets up Musk's chaotic persona in the sketch.
- Musk on Mass Firings and Upside Down Planes: Myers’ line about firing air traffic controllers and luggage falling into your lap from upside down planes is a darkly comedic take on Musk's reputation for mass layoffs and chaotic management style.
Mike Myers' "Canada Is Not for Sale" Shirt: A Political Statement on SNL Stage
Mike Myers' appearance was not just about playing Elon Musk. He used his SNL moment to make a statement about his home country Canada. At the end of the show during the goodnights Myers stood front and center wearing a T-shirt with the Canadian flag and the words "Canada Is Not for Sale" in big letters.
He made sure everyone saw the shirt even moving his vest to point at it multiple times. He also mouthed "elbows up" to the camera pointing to his elbows. "Elbows up" has become a rallying cry in Canada especially in response to Donald Trump's comments about wanting Canada to be the 51st US state.
Canadian politicians and citizens have used "elbows up" to show they are ready to defend their country and economy especially against potential tariffs from the US. Myers using his SNL platform to support this message was a clear sign of solidarity with Canada. Fans online loved it calling it "refreshing" and "Canadian code talk."
Musk's Reaction: "Humor Fails When It Lies" - But Did SNL Hit the Mark?
Elon Musk himself actually responded to the SNL skit. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) "Humor fails when it lies" criticizing the show's portrayal of him and the Trump-Zelensky meeting. It seems like Musk took issue with SNL's comedic interpretation of events suggesting it was not accurate.
However many viewers and critics seemed to think SNL's satire was spot-on. They praised the show for its timely and sharp take on current political events and figures. Whether Musk liked it or not SNL definitely got people talking and laughing with their latest Trump-centric cold open and Myers' memorable cameo.