NEW YORK — In a biting critique of President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, “Saturday Night Live” utilized its cold open to highlight the tumultuous nature of his administration. Comedian James Austin Johnson, channeling his inner Trump, began by introducing himself with a flourish, humorously suggesting he might be “your favorite president and perhaps your next pope.”
Johnson took center stage to recap some of the Trump administration’s controversial actions, which included unusual priorities such as banning paper straws and cutting funding for PBS. In a comedic jab, he declared, “I hear Elmo has been apprehended by ICE,” riffing on immigration issues while playfully linking it to the iconic children’s character.
The impersonator proudly touted an impressive figure—147 executive orders signed—before inviting the character of Stephen Miller, portrayed by Mikey Day, to assist in signing even more outrageous decrees. Among these was the so-called “Belichick law,” a fictional policy aimed at normalizing relationships between older men and significantly younger women, inspired by football coach Bill Belichick’s personal life.
“Old men can now date far younger women; we like that,” Johnson quipped, referencing a recent interview that sparked public discussion about societal norms. “It’s hot! But in reverse, it’s quite disgusting, right? Very ‘Dateline,’” he added, highlighting the absurdity of these double standards in a comedic light.
Adding to the satirical tone, Johnson announced a potential pardon for J.K. Rowling, the author known for the beloved “Harry Potter” series. He cheekily described it as a gesture acknowledging her influence on a generation: “a wonderful place for overweight millennials to stake their entire identity well past the point of it being cute.”
As the skit progressed, the impersonation culminated in an exaggerated announcement of a policy that would simplify the term “recession” to “recess.” “Fun, right!” he smirked, inviting the audience to embrace this comically optimistic rebranding of economic downturns. “So America, get ready for a historically long recess.”
Through humor and satire, SNL continued its tradition of using comedy to reflect on the current political landscape, provoking laughter while simultaneously critiquing the actions and decisions of those in power. With biting commentary and lively performances, the show remains a relevant platform for social and political discourse.