Saturday Night Live (SNL) launched its 51st season with a cold open highlighting Donald Trump’s actions against late-night television. The skit featured James Austin Johnson portraying Trump, alongside Mikey Day as Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC. Carr recently gained attention for his warnings regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks on his show.
SNL’s Cold Open: A Satirical Take on Trump’s Crackdown
In the sketch, Trump ominously declared, “daddy’s watching,” signaling his discontent with late-night hosts. This commentary followed a controversial incident where ABC temporarily removed Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedule, allegedly succumbing to pressure from the Trump administration.
Brendan Carr’s Role in the Controversy
- Carr is investigating a complaint related to Kimmel’s featuring Kamala Harris before the election.
- He gained national prominence after suggesting potential FCC action over late-night comments.
The skit humorously echoed recent real-world events, including a speech by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at Quantico, Virginia. Hegseth’s speech was described as obsessive about the appearance of Pentagon staff, emphasizing a need for “hot shredded, hairless men.”
Key Features of the SNL Skit
- Johnson’s Trump stated, “I know late-night TV like the back of my hand,” humorously revealing a discolored hand.
- The dialogue included Jost’s Hegseth making a self-referential comment about not attending a comedy festival in Riyadh.
- The skit also addressed Trump’s contradictory statements about ending wars and starting new conflicts, including in Venezuela.
Throughout the skit, Trump’s character perpetuated his image with jokes referencing scams as a means of managing expenses. Johnson’s portrayal concluded with, “Well, here we go, and remember, daddy’s watching.” This cold open effectively blended satire with current political commentary, showcasing SNL’s continuing role in comedic critique of contemporary issues.
