SNL Cold Open: Donald Trump struggles to stop Elon Musk and Marco Rubio from clashing
James Austin Johnson reprised his role as Trump, while Marcello Hernandez played Marco Rubio and Mike Myers returned as Elon Musk. The sketch poked fun at a reported shouting match between Rubio and Musk.
“Saturday Night Live” returned with a political punch this week, diving into the chaos of the Trump administration in its cold open. The sketch, inspired by Curb Your Enthusiasm, featured a fictional Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Elon Musk, complete with inner monologues revealing their unfiltered thoughts.
After returning to renew the chaotic meeting between Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week, the “SNL” episode of this week showcased a meeting. The sketch referenced a New York Times report about a heated board meeting that ended in a shouting match between Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Doge's CEO and superior Elon Musk.
Mike Myers revives Elon Musk role in ‘SNL’ sketch
In a much-anticipated cameo, Mike Myers reprised his role as Musk, alongside James Austin Johnson as Trump and Marcello Hernandez as Rubio. The scene centered on Trump mediating tensions between Rubio and Musk, following reports that some Cabinet members were frustrated with Musk’s controversial moves within the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.
Rubio, determined to prove his worth, declared, “While Elon’s been causing chaos, I’ve been working behind the scenes on a deal with the Panamanian government to retake the Panama Canal.” But Johnson’s Trump brushed it off, replying, “Eh, I don’t want it anymore. Seems like a hassle. What I really love is Thailand. Okay? I’ve been watching White Lotus, and it looks beautiful.”
The inner monologue of Trump was similarly hilarious: “Ah, so boring. This guy can’t stop talking. Wait—I’m thinking something and not saying it out loud? This is crazy. I should do this more often. I won’t, but I should.” Musk also was self-doubting himself: “Was taking this job a bad idea? A lot of people seem to really hate me. My Tesla stock is crashing, and my personal net worth just dropped by $100 billion.” Myers even threw in a Dr. Evil reference, bringing his pinky to his mouth as he lamented his financial losses.
SNL’s 50th season continues with star-studded moments
This episode, hosted by Lady Gaga, adds to SNL’s landmark 50th season, which has already delivered a series of viral moments. The show recently celebrated its anniversary with a star-studded special, and with sketches like this, it proves that its satirical edge remains as sharp as ever.
As the 2025 U.S. politics seem chaotic, expect SNL to keep bringing the laughs—one political parody at a time.