The latest episode of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) took aim at Portland, highlighting the city’s struggles in its season’s first cold open. The skit focused on the national attention Portland received during the tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s efforts to deploy National Guard troops there.
SNL Cold Open Highlights Portland
This cold open featured a parody of President Donald Trump’s address to military leaders on September 30. The address came shortly after Trump called for troops to address protests near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) base in Portland.
Colin Jost Takes a Jab
Colin Jost, co-host of “Weekend Update”, made a rare appearance in the skit. He portrayed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, criticizing a fictional military for being comprised of “fat generals.” The sketch emphasized Hegseth’s rhetoric, showcasing awkward silence during his exaggerated commentary.
- Jost’s lines included a dubious encouragement to sign up for ICE.
- He claimed Portland would host “Army and Army only” operations.
- The skit humorously referenced Portland as one of the “bloodiest, war-torn places” worldwide.
Response from Late Night Hosts
Portland has frequently been a target of late-night comedic jabs. Other talk show hosts, including Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers, have also poked fun at the city’s image. They highlighted Portland’s abundance of gourmet donut shops, a competitive coffee scene, and kombucha stores.
Despite the humor, Portland residents have taken to social media to provide a different perspective. They have shared images of their vibrant community, showcasing sunny skies and lively farmers markets.
Though SNL’s reference to Portland was brief, it reignited conversation surrounding the portrayal of the city during politically charged times. Jost’s character quickly shifted focus back to military aspects, redirecting the comedic energy.
As Portland continues to navigate its challenges, the portrayal in popular media like SNL serves as a reminder of the ongoing national dialogue.
