The SNL tonight cold open left audiences across the United States laughing, talking, and rewatching clips online within minutes of airing. Saturday Night Live has long been known for its iconic opening sketches that blend real-world political chaos with biting humor — and this week’s cold open continued that proud tradition with an outrageous Oval Office scene that had viewers in stitches.
The sketch featured James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump in a moment of political absurdity that captured both the madness and humor of American politics. It wasn’t just another comedy bit — it was a snapshot of the cultural mood, delivered with perfect timing, writing, and performance.
The Scene That Had Everyone Talking
The episode kicked off with an instantly recognizable setting — the Oval Office. Trump, played masterfully by Johnson, stood behind the famous Resolute Desk, surrounded by supposed White House aides and pharmaceutical executives.
Moments into the sketch, chaos erupted when one of the characters suddenly fainted. Instead of reacting with concern, Johnson’s Trump brushed off the incident, launching into an improvised-style speech about grocery prices, diet drugs, and how he personally “made America healthy again.”
The combination of physical comedy and deadpan delivery drew big laughs from the studio audience. Johnson’s version of Trump turned every bizarre tangent into comic gold — seamlessly weaving together the themes of politics, ego, and self-promotion that have become his character’s trademarks.
James Austin Johnson Continues to Own the Trump Impression
Since joining Saturday Night Live in 2021, James Austin Johnson has redefined the Trump impression. Gone are the exaggerated caricatures of the past — in their place is something even funnier: a pitch-perfect, conversational Trump whose rambling logic and looping sentences are almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
In the SNL tonight cold open, Johnson once again proved why he’s one of the most talented impressionists in the show’s modern history. His portrayal captured not only Trump’s voice and mannerisms but also his unique ability to turn any situation — even a fainting staffer — into an opportunity to brag.
The sketch showcased Johnson’s comedic precision, his ability to stay in character no matter how ridiculous the situation became, and his skill at delivering lines that felt improvised yet perfectly scripted.
His standout moments included:
- Comparing himself to “every great leader, but with better ratings.”
- Ranting about “healthy American eating habits” while surrounded by piles of fast food.
- Ending the speech with a hilariously misplaced line: “They said I couldn’t run the country — but I can run the treadmill for 10 minutes straight.”
It’s no surprise that fans flooded social media with praise for Johnson’s performance, calling it one of the funniest cold opens of the season so far.
A Satirical Look at Politics and Public Perception
The SNL tonight cold open wasn’t just about making people laugh — it was about holding up a mirror to the strange state of U.S. politics in 2025. By blending humor with sharp commentary, the sketch reflected how surreal political discourse has become.
The writing hit all the right notes, poking fun at:
- Public figures turning serious events into publicity stunts.
- Politicians ignoring crises unfolding right in front of them.
- The ongoing national obsession with image over substance.
What made this particular cold open so effective was that it didn’t exaggerate for comedy — it simply amplified the existing absurdity of real events. That’s the secret sauce of great SNL satire: showing audiences how ridiculous reality can be when viewed through a comedic lens.
Supporting Cast Brings the Chaos to Life
While James Austin Johnson’s Trump dominated the sketch, the supporting cast brought essential energy and contrast to the performance.
- Chloe Fineman played a panicked aide who tried — and failed — to get Trump’s attention after the fainting incident. Her nervous delivery and subtle side glances added tension and comedy.
- Mikey Day appeared as a pharma executive desperately trying to keep the meeting on track while Trump veered off-topic.
- Heidi Gardner provided comic relief as another staffer trying to revive the fallen man, whispering, “We should probably call someone,” only for Trump to wave her off.
Their straight-faced reactions to Trump’s obliviousness made the sketch even funnier, highlighting how SNL thrives when its ensemble perfectly supports the central joke.
The Writing: Fast, Fearless, and Focused
The writers behind the SNL tonight cold open clearly had their finger on the pulse of current American conversations. The pacing was tight, the jokes were layered, and every line served a purpose.
Some standout elements of the writing included:
- Topical humor: References to inflation, medication prices, and holiday politics kept the sketch timely and relatable.
- Dark irony: The fainting man provided a visual metaphor for the way political chaos often goes ignored.
- Catchphrases: Lines like “Make insulin great again” and “America runs on me” quickly became social media quotes.
The writers’ ability to balance absurd humor with recognizable truth made the cold open resonate with audiences beyond the laughs.
Audience Reaction: Laughter and Applause Across the Nation
Moments after the cold open aired, U.S. viewers took to social platforms to share their reactions. Hashtags like #SNLColdOpen and #JamesAustinJohnson began trending almost instantly. Fans praised the show for “returning to classic SNL energy” — smart, political, and unapologetically funny.
Viewers highlighted:
- The impeccable timing of the jokes.
- The realism of Johnson’s impression.
- The ensemble’s chemistry and pacing.
Even some critics who had been skeptical about SNL’s recent seasons noted that this cold open felt like a revitalization — a reminder of what the show does best when it leans into its roots of cultural satire.
A Perfect Balance Between Comedy and Commentary
What separates the SNL tonight cold open from simple parody is how it blends comedy with social insight. The sketch wasn’t just a jab at one political figure; it was a broader critique of how American politics has become performative entertainment.
This subtle yet powerful commentary is what makes SNL so enduring. The humor doesn’t just make people laugh — it makes them think. Whether you’re left, right, or somewhere in between, the satire connects because it exposes universal absurdities.
In many ways, this cold open echoed the tone of SNL’s golden eras, where sketches like “Weekend Update” or “Presidential Debates” used comedy to unpack real issues.
The Cold Open’s Cinematic Touches
The directing and production design also deserve credit. The Oval Office set felt detailed and authentic, down to the flags, paperwork, and lighting that gave it a presidential look. The camera work heightened the comedic tension — lingering just long enough on awkward silences or exaggerated reactions to make viewers laugh harder.
The decision to let the fainting man remain in frame for nearly the entire sketch added a running gag that tied the scene together. It was a clever visual choice that reinforced the absurdity of ignoring something so obvious.
Why This Cold Open Resonated with Viewers
Beyond the humor, this cold open struck a chord because it reflected how many Americans feel about the current state of politics — surreal, unpredictable, and oddly comical. By exaggerating reality only slightly, SNL captured the collective mood of frustration and fascination that defines the political climate.
For U.S. viewers, the sketch wasn’t just entertainment; it was catharsis. It allowed people to laugh at the madness, if only for a few minutes, and find some humor in situations that often feel overwhelming.
The Cold Open Tradition: 50 Years of Making History
The SNL tonight cold open continues a five-decade tradition that dates back to the show’s debut in 1975. From Chevy Chase’s Gerald Ford falls to Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin impressions, the cold open has always served as the comedic heartbeat of the show.
Each era of SNL defines its legacy through these opening sketches — and in 2025, the baton clearly rests with James Austin Johnson and the show’s talented writers. Their ability to merge contemporary politics with timeless humor ensures SNL’s continued relevance in America’s cultural conversation.
What to Expect in Upcoming Cold Opens
If this week’s performance is any indication, viewers can look forward to more bold, topical sketches that tackle major headlines. The writing team appears ready to lean into current events while keeping the humor sharp and inclusive.
Future cold opens could touch on election coverage, social media controversies, or global news moments — all filtered through SNL’s signature mix of satire and silliness.
For long-time fans, that’s exactly what they’ve been hoping for: a return to confident, well-timed comedy that isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
Final Thoughts
The SNL tonight cold open was everything fans could want — smart, funny, fast, and fearless. With James Austin Johnson leading the way, the show delivered one of its strongest political sketches in recent memory, reminding audiences that SNL still knows how to balance entertainment with social commentary.
It was more than just a comedy sketch; it was a cultural moment — one that proves Saturday Night Live remains the pulse of American humor.
What did you think of the latest SNL cold open? Did James Austin Johnson’s Trump make you laugh as much as the audience in Studio 8H? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for next week’s highlights.