Introduction

In an audacious cold open for its first post-election episode, Saturday Night Live took aim at the political climate by staging a comedic tribute to Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The cast poked fun at Trump’s recent victory, presenting a newly envisioned version of the former president described as 'hot, jacked Trump.' This clever maneuver, laced with sarcasm, was aimed at keeping them off Trump's notorious 'enemies list.'

The Comedic Unfolding

The cold open began with the cast members appearing solemn, ready to deliver what seemed to be a grave message regarding Trump's win. However, they suddenly flipped the script, rallying behind him with exaggerated support. 'We have been with you all along,' they declared, a cheeky nod to Trump's persistent claims of election fraud.

Kenan Thompson kicked off the comedic flourish, suggesting that if Trump were keeping an enemies list, they should definitely not be included. The jokes escalated, with cast member Heidi Gardner boasting about 'voting for Trump 50 times in Pennsylvania'—a hyperbolic jab at conspiracy theories surrounding vote counts. Ego Nwodim also chimed in, humorously claiming to be one of the few Black women who backed Trump during the election.

Star Performances: Hot, Jacked Trump

The highlight was the introduction of James Austin Johnson's new 'hot, jacked Trump' impersonation, complete with bulging muscles and a signature red tie. Johnson strutted on stage, flexing and mocking Trump’s physical image, proclaiming, 'They finally got the body right!' In true Trump fashion, he expressed admiration for the former president, saying he'll make a 'fantastic president, and eventually king!'

Elon Musk's Role

But the satire didn’t stop there; the focus shifted to Elon Musk, who was humorously positioned as Trump’s right-hand man. Dana Carvey, channeling Musk's exuberance, donned a black MAGA cap and proclaimed, 'But seriously, I run the country now,' eliciting raucous laughter from the audience.

Cultural Commentary

As the skit continued, the SNL cast directed their message toward young men who supported Trump and Musk, assuring them that they have not been forgotten despite the tumultuous years prior. The stage erupted with cheerful chants of 'USA! USA!' as Thompson encouraged young men to rise up and reclaim their agency.

Conclusion

The cold open not only delivered laughs but also struck a chord with today's cultural and political narrative, leaving viewers both entertained and contemplating the unfolding drama between comedy and real-world politics. Tune in next week to see how SNL continues to navigate this unpredictable political landscape!