On May 11, 2025, the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) delivered a memorable cold open featuring President Donald Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, who interrupted a heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration. The episode, which typically showcases cast members with their real-life mothers, took a sharp turn when Trump barged in, declaring, "It’s me again, invading all aspects of your life!" This unexpected interruption set the tone for a politically charged segment that riffed on current events.
During the cold open, Trump celebrated the election of Illinois native Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV. He humorously remarked, "We like Pope Leo. We hope he does… what we want. That’s what you want the pope to do — what you want, right?" This comment referenced the previous Catholic leader, Pope Francis, who passed away shortly after a meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance, a point Trump cleverly alluded to, hinting at the potential consequences of the new pope's actions.
As the sketch progressed, Trump introduced Jeanine Pirro, portrayed by former SNL cast member Cecily Strong, as the new United States attorney for the District of Columbia. In a humorous twist, Pirro arrived with a bag to carry her wine glass and bottle, exclaiming, "I’m so proud to be part of this group full of Russian assets, booze hounds and people famous for the little baby animals they’ve killed." This line not only highlighted Pirro's character but also served as a satirical jab at the current political landscape.
Trump defended his appointment of Pirro, stating, "She’s a great legal mind! And she has the most important quality I look for in a lawyer: She’s on TV!" This comment underscored Trump's penchant for selecting individuals based on their media presence rather than traditional qualifications. He further praised his administration, saying, "I love having people from Fox News in my administration. They all do an incredible job. Just look at Pete Hegseth! Not one mistake!"
Colin Jost made his debut as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during this segment, taking over the role from fellow cast member Andrew Dismukes. The interaction between Jost's Hegseth and Strong's Pirro escalated quickly when Pirro spat a full swig of red wine in Hegseth’s face, adding another layer of absurdity to the skit. This moment was met with laughter from the live audience, showcasing SNL's ability to blend political commentary with humor.
As the sketch continued, Trump inquired about Hegseth’s sobriety, to which Jost's character replied, "No, absolutely not, sir. I promised I would never have a bottle touch my lips [again]." However, moments later, Hegseth passed a bottle of whiskey to Pirro, leading to the comedic exchange where she spit the alcohol into his mouth. Trump quipped, "Folks, they’re not the A-Team. They’re the AA-Team!" This punchline cleverly played on the dual meanings of the acronym, referencing both Alcoholics Anonymous and the duo's chaotic antics.
The cold open not only entertained viewers but also served as a commentary on the current political climate. Trump's character, in typical fashion, made light of serious issues, such as the ongoing American trade woes, jokingly asking, "Can a country go out of business? We’re going to find out." This line resonated with audiences familiar with the economic challenges facing the nation.
SNL's ability to mix humor with political satire was evident throughout the episode, particularly in the interactions between Trump, Pirro, and Hegseth. The sketch format allowed for a playful examination of the absurdities within the Trump administration, with Pirro's character embodying the eccentricities associated with political appointments under Trump.
In the latter part of the episode, the show featured a variety of sketches, including one with Walton Goggins, who delivered a heartfelt monologue about his mother, contrasting the earlier comedic chaos with a more sentimental tone. However, the episode's overall reception was mixed, with some segments falling flat compared to the energetic cold open.
As SNL continues to navigate the ever-changing political landscape, this episode stands out as a testament to the show's enduring ability to provoke thought and laughter in equal measure. The juxtaposition of heartfelt moments with sharp political satire remains a hallmark of SNL, ensuring its place in the cultural conversation.
With its blend of humor and commentary, SNL's May 11 episode not only entertained but also reflected the ongoing complexities of American politics, leaving audiences both amused and contemplative about the state of the nation.
