The March 14 episode of Saturday Night Live took a comedic swing at the ongoing issues of rising gas prices and international conflict, with James Austin Johnson portraying a satirical version of former President Donald Trump. The cold open featured a sketch set at a gas station where a family was confronted with the shocking reality of paying upwards of $100 to fill their vehicle.
Johnson’s Trump made his entrance with a characteristic grin, quipping, “Hi, it’s me, Donald Trump. You might remember me from such campaign promises as ‘lower gas prices’ and ‘no more wars.’ Psych! We love to make promises, because a promise is just a lie that hasn’t happened yet.” He humorously attributed the skyrocketing fuel costs to “war with Iran, which is where they make gas,” adding a nod to the night’s host, Harry Styles.
The sketch took a sharp turn into pop culture as Trump noted a recent comment by Timothée Chalamet regarding ballet and opera, saying, “Iran is like ballet and opera, and we’re Timmy Chalamet.” The metaphor highlighted a perceived disconnect between traditional arts and contemporary culture, capturing public sentiment with a playful jab.
In a chaotic twist, Colin Jost appeared as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, emerging from the back seat of the family’s car, surrounded by discarded beer cans. Jost’s character humorously lamented, “If you’re wondering why I was in the back seat of this random family’s car, I’ll tell you the same thing I say when people ask about our plans for Iran: I don’t know.” He also criticized media coverage, stating, “The media is using what I do and say to make me look like a fool.”
The show has increasingly focused on the U.S.–Iran conflict. Just weeks earlier, on February 28, SNL featured a cold open that coincided with U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. Johnson’s Trump joked at the time that the operation was intended to “cause immeasurable fear, rage, and chaos in the ‘SNL’ writer’s room.”
As the evening unfolded, Harry Styles not only hosted the episode but also performed, marking his first appearance on the program since 2019. The combination of political satire and musical performance kept viewers engaged, reflecting the show’s vibrant and often unpredictable nature.
Looking ahead, SNL will return with new episodes on April 4, featuring Jack Black as host and Jack White as the musical guest. The ongoing cultural commentary and sharp humor of the show continue to resonate with audiences, providing a space for reflection on current events through the lens of satire.
