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

In a bold return for its first sketch of 2026, Saturday Night Live featured James Austin Johnson portraying Donald Trump, who unveiled his “Cabinet of Curiosities.” The sketch humorously addressed the recent geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela and Iran. It took aim at the current administration’s actions amid a backdrop of serious issues, including federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

SNL’s Cold Open: Cabinet of Curiosities

The cold open began with Trump expressing gratitude for receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, humorously claiming, “I got Maduro,” referring to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan president facing federal charges.

Venezuelan Oil and Gas Infrastructure

• Trump vowed that U.S. oil companies would aid in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil industry.
• The sketch included a playful portrayal of Trump’s unusual Cabinet members, described as “fellow freaks” and “monsters.”

Federal Actions in Minnesota

The sketch also highlighted the situation in Minneapolis, where hundreds of federal officers were deployed. This action is part of a broader mass deportation strategy amidst protests that have intensified over recent weeks.

• A significant incident involved the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• The Trump administration referred to Good as an “agitator,” facing backlash from activists and monitoring groups.

Memorable Characters and Remarks

Newcomer Ashley Padilla portrayed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose humorous remarks included a reference to her “hair and makeup team.” She tackled questions about joining ICE amidst the tumultuous climate in Minnesota.

Colin Jost reprised his role as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, delivering aggressive commentary on U.S. military strategies related to Venezuela and Iran. Jost’s performance was met with enthusiasm from fans as he proclaimed, “If Ayatollah you once, Ayatollah you 1,000 times,” jesting about the potential military response to Iran.

Geopolitical Context

This comedic segment reflects ongoing tensions, with reports indicating substantial unrest in Iran. Notably, monitoring groups have reported over 10,000 arrests and numerous fatalities linked to protests, bringing a grim reality to the satirical portrayal.

As the year unfolds, SNL continues to showcase the intersection of comedy and critical political commentary, reflecting on events that shape public discourse.