“Saturday Night Live” returned with a politically charged cold open in its first episode of 2026, lampooning President Donald Trump’s insistence on the Nobel Peace Prize, U.S. military actions in Venezuela, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s controversial comments regarding a recent ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
The episode featured a satirical news conference led by James Austin Johnson portraying Trump, who humorously declared, “I got what I wanted — my very own someone else’s Nobel Prize,” referring to the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado’s peculiar decision to present her Nobel Peace Prize to him amid her country’s turmoil.
Johnson’s Trump continued with a tongue-in-cheek remark about Nicolás Maduro, joking about the U.S. operation that captured the Venezuelan leader now facing drug trafficking charges in New York. He referred to his cabinet metaphorically as a “cabinet of curiosities,” evoking the director Guillermo del Toro with a clever blend of humor and political critique.
Ashley Padilla impersonated Kristi Noem, donning a cowboy hat reminiscent of the governor’s style, as she addressed the shooting incident involving ICE agents. Padilla’s portrayal was provocative, with lines suggesting a recruitment pitch for ICE laced with dark humor, as she ominously defended the agency’s actions.
Colin Jost as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth added to the chaos, appearing over-caffeinated as he bragged about military exploits in Venezuela, likening them to a juvenile gaming victory. His performance included edgy references to future military intentions towards Iran amidst ongoing protests.
The cold open culminated with Johnson’s Trump humorously noting, “Even I know you’re doing that wrong,” highlighting the absurdities presented during the segment. He then declared the midterms canceled, ending the skit with the iconic sign-off, “Live from New York, it’s ‘Saturday Night.’”
This episode not only showcased SNL’s trademark satirical humor but also addressed pressing political issues, echoing the socio-political climate of 2026. The comedic take on critical matters suggests a hopeful desire for accountability and reflection, underscoring the enduring role of satire in American media.