“SNL Cold Open Targets Trump on Nobel Prize, ICE, and Venezuela”
Saturday Night Live (SNL) recently delivered a cold open that humorously targeted former President Donald Trump. The sketch, which aired on January 17, 2026, following a holiday hiatus, satirized Trump’s receipt of a Nobel Peace Prize and his portrayal of capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. James Austin Johnson returned to impersonate Trump, enlivening the comedic portrayal of the former president during a fictional cabinet meeting.
SNL Cold Open Highlights
The sketch began with Trump addressing his cabinet members. He quipped about receiving his “very own someone else’s Nobel Prize” and joked, “In my stocking, I got Maduro!” This banter set the comedic tone for the episode, which included notable cabinet figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, played by Marcello Hernandez, and Vice President JD Vance, portrayed by Jeremy Culhane.
Cabinet Interactions and Jokes
- Trump introduced his cabinet members while referencing legal issues related to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Rubio attempted to communicate a message directed at the people of Cuba, which Trump humorously interrupted.
- Vice President Vance made an exaggerated remark about his purpose, saying, “I came here to do two things: kick bubblegum and chew a.”
Moreover, the sketch included Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, played by Ashley Padilla. She humorously discussed recent ICE raids in Minneapolis, listing comedic qualifications for joining ICE, which included peculiar requirements like a “neck wider than head.”
Conclusion and Future Episodes
Colin Jost also reprised his role as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. He wrapped up the sketch with a light-hearted mention of the situation in Venezuela and concluded with a quirky gag about the midterm elections being “canceled.” The episode showcased SNL’s integration of current events and political satire, with performances that kept the audience engaged and entertained.
Catch SNL every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC for more political humor and sketches that reflect current affairs.
