‘SNL’ Cold Open Critiques Trump on Nobel Prize, ICE, and Venezuela
In a recent cold open of Saturday Night Live (SNL), the show humorously criticized former President Donald Trump over various political issues. The segment, aired on January 17, 2026, marked SNL’s return after a holiday break and prominently featured James Austin Johnson as Trump.
SNL’s Cold Open Targets Trump
The satirical sketch focused on Trump receiving a Nobel Peace Prize, his interactions with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and the controversial deployment of ICE in Minnesota. The fictional cabinet meeting showcased Trump’s lighthearted yet absurd claims, highlighting the comedic approach SNL is known for.
Comedic Highlights
- James Austin Johnson reprised his role as Trump, addressing his cabinet and the audience.
- Trump quipped about receiving “someone else’s Nobel Prize” and jokingly mentioned that he “captured Maduro” as part of a “reverse Santa” scenario.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance were portrayed in ways that reflected their current political personas.
- Trump humorously alluded to ongoing conversations regarding Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting the absurdity of political distractions.
- ICE raids in Minnesota were addressed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who made comedic remarks about the agency’s recruitment standards.
Notable Performances
Colin Jost, as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, added another layer of humor by making exaggerated physical movements. This included a comical interpretation of exercise, rounding off the absurdity of the political landscape depicted in the skit. Jost’s character ended on a note about canceling midterms, further enhancing the comedic critique.
Saturday Night Live continues to use political satire as a platform to comment on current events, keeping audiences engaged while providing a humorous take on serious matters. The show airs live on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
