Saturday Night Live is back after their big 50th-anniversary bash and they kicked things off with a bang. This week's cold open went straight for the headlines tackling that tense Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy White House meeting. But of course this is SNL so things got delightfully weird and yes involved a chainsaw and Elon Musk.
Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office? SNL Imagines a Hilariously Awkward Encounter
The skit started with James Austin Johnson doing his spot-on Donald Trump impression joined by Bowen Yang as a disgruntled JD Vance and Mikey Day as President Zelenskyy. Right away they set the scene for an uncomfortable meeting with Vance complaining that Zelenskyy hadn't said "thank you" enough. It was awkward from the jump.
Johnson's Trump was in full comedic form introducing himself as the "President and CEO of Gaza Hotel and Casino". He welcomed Zelenskyy to this "incredible trap" a "big beautiful trap". He even joked about attacking someone "very soon for no reason". Sound familiar?
One of the skit's funniest moments was Trump making fun of Zelenskyy's casual attire. Johnson's Trump in character thanked Zelenskyy for dressing in a "casual Star Trek" outfit saying he loved the show because "there's no DEI". He added the punchline about how "the white guy was the leader and he bossed around Spock who I believe was Guatemalan." The jokes were flying fast and hitting hard.
The sketch went further with Trump bizarrely urging Zelenskyy to apologize to Vladimir Putin and even suggesting offering Putin his wife as a "peace offering." Yang's JD Vance character then had an over-the-top comedic meltdown yelling at Zelenskyy for not being grateful enough for US aid and demanding "What happened to 'thank you'?" The level of absurdity was cranked up to eleven.
Johnson's Trump then launched into a classic Trump-esque rambling monologue listing random things like "I have the cards. I have Skip. I have Draw Four. I have Reverse. I have Get Out of Jail Free - the Supreme Court gave me that one. I have Pikachu and Charmander and Charizard." It was a perfect storm of Trumpian word salad.
Elon Musk Crashes the Party (with Power Tools): Mike Myers Makes Surprise SNL Appearance
Just when you thought the skit could not get any more bizarre BAM! Enter Mike Myers. Yes Austin Powers himself reprising his SNL roots to play none other than Elon Musk. Myers sporting a "TECH SUPPORT" T-shirt and a black coat channeled Musk's public image as head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
And what's Elon Musk without a little something extra? Myers' Musk entered wielding a chainsaw . A literal chainsaw. This was a direct reference to Musk's recent appearance at CPAC where he brandished a chainsaw to symbolize government slashing. Myers' Musk immediately demanded of Johnson's 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." The comedic chaos was complete.
Myers' Musk then delivered lines about "mass firings" in government a nod to Musk's controversial firing practices. "They're saying I'm firing people with no cause. But I do have cause. It's 'cause I feel like it" Myers' Musk declared. Johnson's Trump chimed in agreeing that "We love mass firings because you don't have to know what any of their names are or what exactly they do." The skit took aim at perceived Trump and Musk styles of leadership with sharp satire.
The joke went even further with Myers' Musk adding "We're not going to get it perfect you know. But we are firing the nonessential employees like air traffic controllers." Johnson's Trump then hilariously agreed "And sure 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." SNL didn't hold back with their dark humor.
Mike Myers Makes a Canadian Statement: "Canada Is Not For Sale"
But Mike Myers' SNL appearance wasn't just about the cold open. At the end of the show Myers made another statement this time a personal one . He stood on stage with host Shane Gillis musical guest Tate McRae and the rest of the SNL cast wearing a T-shirt with the Canadian flag and the words "Canada Is Not for Sale".
This was a clear message in response to Donald Trump's recent comments about Canada potentially becoming the 51st US state. Myers made sure everyone got the message standing front and center and even pointing to his shirt multiple times. He also mouthed "elbows up" to the camera a Canadian rallying cry meaning to protect yourself or fight back particularly in response to Trump's policies.
The "elbows up" phrase has become popular in Canada especially among politicians discussing Trump's proposed tariffs on Canadian goods. It signifies a need for Canada to stand its ground. Myers' choice to wear the shirt and say "elbows up" was widely supported online with many Canadians praising him for standing up for his country on a major US platform.
Musk's Mixed Reaction: "Humor Fails When It Lies"
While many found the SNL skit hilarious not everyone was laughing. Elon Musk himself responded to the portrayal on X (formerly Twitter). He quoted a clip of the skit and remarked "Humor fails when it lies" suggesting he took issue with SNL's comedic take on his persona and actions. While Musk didn't elaborate it seems he felt the skit was not accurate or fair in its satire. It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Musk has commented on SNL's portrayals of him. He previously criticized Dana Carvey's impression saying "Dana Carvey just sounds like Dana Carvey." It seems Musk has strong opinions on how he is represented in comedy.
SNL Still Pushing Boundaries: Political Satire and Pop Culture Commentary Collide
This SNL episode with Shane Gillis hosting and Mike Myers' surprise appearance proves that the show is still willing to push boundaries with its political satire. The cold open took direct aim at a real and tense political moment using humor to comment on Trump Zelenskyy and even Elon Musk. The jokes were sharp the performances were committed and the chainsaw was well… certainly memorable. And Mike Myers' "Canada Is Not For Sale" shirt added another layer of unexpected commentary to the episode. Whether you agree with all the jokes or not SNL is still sparking conversations and getting people talking after 50 seasons.