Saturday Night Live is back and they kicked things off with a bang! This week's cold open went straight for the headlines tackling that eyebrow-raising White House meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But SNL didn't just stop at political satire they threw in a surprise cameo that you have to see to believe. Get ready for some serious laughs folks.
Trump and Zelenskyy's White House "Trap": SNL Recreates the Bizarre Meeting with Comedy Gold
The sketch opens with a voiceover setting the scene: the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting went "really really well" – yeah right! Then we jump right into the Oval Office where Mikey Day is playing Zelenskyy and James Austin Johnson is back in action as Donald Trump. Johnson's Trump is instantly in character introducing himself as "President and CEO of Gaza Hotel and Casino" and welcoming Zelenskyy to "this incredible trap". A trap? Oh yes it is going to be a "big beautiful trap" and they are planning to "attack him very soon for no reason". Sounds about right for a Trump sketch.
Bowen Yang is also on hand as Vice President JD Vance adding to the weirdness with lines like "Watch out cause this kitty’s got claws." And Marcello Hernández plays Secretary of State Marco Rubio who Trump asks "Are you excited to attack our European ally?". The whole thing is delightfully absurd playing up the chaotic and confusing nature of the real-life political moment.
Johnson's Trump even makes fun of Zelenskyy's casual attire joking that he is "dressing like casual ‘Star Trek’". Apparently Trump loves "Star Trek" because according to him "there’s no DEI" in it. The sketch is packed with these quick witty lines and political jabs making it classic SNL cold open material.
Wait For It... Mike Myers Makes Surprise Cameo as Elon Musk (Chainsaw Included!)
Just when you thought the sketch could not get any weirder BAM Mike Myers Shows up as Elon Musk! Yes Austin Powers himself Mike Myers in a surprise cameo . He is dressed as Musk in jeans a black coat and a "Tech Support" t-shirt holding a chainsaw. A chainsaw.
Myers' Musk stutters his way into the scene asking "Hi guys" and Johnson's Trump immediately compliments his "official and respectful" outfit. Myers as Musk jokes that he is "the president now" then shouts "Legalize comedy" referencing Musk's recent comments at CPAC. The cameo is completely unexpected and adds another layer of surreal humor to the already bizarre sketch.
The sketch then pokes fun at government layoffs with Trump and Musk discussing "mass firings" and joking about firing "non-essential employees like air traffic controllers." Myers’ performance as Musk is spot-on capturing the tech billionaire's mannerisms and public persona. It is a truly memorable and hilarious surprise.
Shane Gillis Hosts with Musical Guest Tate McRae: SNL is Back in Full Swing
This episode was hosted by comedian Shane Gillis and featured Tate McRae as the musical guest. It was the first SNL episode after the big " SNL 50th Anniversary Celebration " special. The cold open definitely set the tone for a politically charged and funny episode proving that SNL is still ready to tackle current events with its signature comedic style.
Weekend Laughs: Key Jokes and Moments from the SNL Cold Open
- Trump Welcoming Zelenskyy to a "Trap": Johnson's Trump setting the stage for a bizarre and hostile meeting right from the start.
- Bowen Yang as JD Vance's Ukraine "Expertise": Vance claiming to have been to Ukraine "on Google Maps" highlighting Vance's controversial statements.
- Trump Criticizing Zelenskyy's Outfit: Trump calling Zelenskyy disrespectful for not wearing a suit and joking he is dressed like "garbage person".
- Mike Myers as Elon Musk's Entrance with Chainsaw: The sheer absurdity of Musk showing up with a chainsaw and in "Tech Support" attire.
- Musk's "Legalize Comedy" Shout: Myers-as-Musk shouting Musk's catchphrase adding to the real-life parody.
SNL Still Bringing the Heat: Political Satire and Surprise Cameos Rule the Night
This SNL cold open is a perfect example of what the show does best: taking real-world events especially in the political sphere and turning them into hilarious satire. The Trump and Zelenskyy meeting was already pretty strange in real life and SNL amplified that strangeness to comedic extremes. And the Mike Myers cameo as Elon Musk? Pure genius. If you missed this cold open definitely check it out online. It's a reminder that SNL is still a force in late-night comedy and knows how to deliver those water cooler moments week after week.