SNL’s Trump Unveils ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ Post-Venezuela Attack and ICE Raids

Saturday Night Live (SNL) kicked off 2026 with a cold open sketch featuring James Austin Johnson’s portrayal of Donald Trump. This sketch focused on the former president’s so-called “Cabinet of Curiosities” and touched on various geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Venezuela and Iran.

Highlights from SNL’s Cold Open

In the sketch, Trump humorously addressed significant political events, including the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and threats against Iran. Johnson’s Trump remarked that he received Maduro as a “Christmas gift,” claiming, “We did a reverse Santa on him.” This statement highlights the U.S. government’s controversial capture of Maduro, who faces federal drug charges.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Johnson reintroduced his unique “Cabinet,” filled with quirky characters resembling significant political figures:

• Marcello Hernandez as a timid Secretary of State Marco Rubio
• Colin Jost reprising his role as an audacious Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
• Ashley Padilla debuting as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

In a comedic twist, Johnson quipped that Stephen Miller was “on the ceiling” of the White House, evoking laughter from the audience.

Federal Actions in Minneapolis

Padilla’s portrayal of Noem highlighted the escalating tensions in Minneapolis, where the Trump administration has dispatched numerous federal officers to enforce mass deportations. This move has faced significant backlash, especially after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The administration branded Good as an “agitator,” fueling the controversy surrounding the federal response to immigration protests.

Threats to Iran

Colin Jost’s portrayal of Hegseth generated buzz, particularly his aggressive remarks toward Iran. He expressed that the U.S. would retaliate if protesters were harmed. “We’re gonna sack-tap Iran,” he warned, emphasizing the administration’s confrontational stance.

This SNL sketch cleverly combined humor with pointed commentary on serious political issues, offering satire on the ongoing situations in Venezuela and Iran. As 2026 unfolds, the repercussions of these events continue to spark debate across the political landscape.