Colin Jost showcased his comedic talent as he stepped into the role of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a recent episode of “Saturday Night Live.” This performance marked a rare opportunity for Jost to leave behind the “Weekend Update” desk and embody a character infused with dramatic flair.
Cold Open Highlights
In a press conference setting themed around “Operation Kill Everybody,” Jost’s Hegseth exuded a brash, pro wrestling persona. He entered to entrance music and, while downing an energy drink, demanded silence from the reporters present.
War with Venezuela
- Jost began with a provocative statement: “As you probably read in some gay newspaper, we are now at war with Venezuela.”
- He humorously instructed reporters to, “Pretend I’m a random fishing boat and fire away” when asked questions.
One reporter inquired about Hegseth’s authorization of a second strike on survivors of a drug trafficking attack in September. Jost’s Hegseth humorously deflected, claiming he was not present during the decision-making process: “I was so jacked up after the first strike…”
Critiques and Responses
Jost also addressed criticisms from Senator Mark Kelly, who compared Hegseth to “a 12-year-old playing Army.” In a dismissive response, Hegseth retorted, “First of all, Kelly? That’s a girl’s name.”
Furthermore, Sarah Sherman reprised her role as former Congressman Matt Gaetz to challenge Hegseth on the nature of his anti-trafficking operations, asking if only drug traffickers were targeted. This exchange highlighted the absurdity of Hegseth’s rhetoric on violence.
Unexpected Trump Cameo
The cold open segued into a surprising appearance by Donald Trump. He was depicted as asleep offstage, whispering sweet nothings to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Trump defended Hegseth’s controversial comments regarding the “fog of war,” asserting his support unless it jeopardized his own standing.
This SNL cold open effectively mirrored current geopolitical tensions and the absurdities of political discourse, all while delivering sharp satire and humor. Watch the full segment on El-Balad’s YouTube channel.
