Full Breakdown
Donald Trump's Cold Open on SNL: A Satirical Take on Gas Prices and Current Events
3/15/2026, 12:50:30 PM
Cold Open Overview
On March 14, 2026, "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) featured a cold open that humorously addressed rising gas prices and included commentary on current political events, particularly focusing on former President Donald Trump. The sketch, which starred James Austin Johnson as Trump, depicted a family struggling with high gas costs during a road trip, setting the stage for a satirical monologue that critiqued both the economy and U.S. foreign policy.
Key Elements of the Cold Open
The cold open began with a family at a gas station, highlighting the burden of skyrocketing gas prices. Johnson's portrayal of Trump included a self-referential monologue where he quipped, “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 further remarked on the stock market's decline, humorously linking it to the music of the episode's host, Harry Styles, stating, “The stock market is going in one direction: Down.”
The sketch also referenced Timothée Chalamet's controversial remarks about ballet and opera, with Johnson's Trump asserting, “Iran is like ballet and opera, and we’re Timothée Chalamet,” to emphasize a perceived cultural disconnect.
Official Statements & Responses
The episode's cold open was part of a broader trend on SNL, which has recently focused on U.S. military actions and foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran. Colin Jost, portraying Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, added to the humor by stating, “I’ll tell you the same thing I say when people ask about our plans for Iran: I don’t know,” reflecting the uncertainty surrounding U.S. military strategy.
Criticism & Opposition
While the sketch aimed to entertain, it also drew criticism from some viewers who felt that the portrayal of Trump and the political commentary could be seen as overly simplistic or dismissive of serious issues. Critics argued that humor should not overshadow the complexities of the political landscape, particularly in relation to foreign conflicts and economic challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You might remember me from such campaign promises as lower gas prices and no more wars. We’ll have to make promises because a promise is just a lie that hasn’t happened yet,” — James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump
- “The stock market is going in one direction: Down.” — James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump
- “I’ll tell you the same thing I say when people ask about our plans for Iran: I don’t know,” — Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth
What's Next
Following this episode, SNL is set to return on April 4, 2026, with Jack Black as the host and Jack White as the musical guest. The show continues to engage with current events through satire, reflecting ongoing societal and political discussions.
In summary, the March 14 episode of SNL utilized humor to address pressing issues like rising gas prices and U.S. foreign policy, while also engaging with pop culture through its host, Harry Styles. The blend of satire and commentary remains a hallmark of the show's approach to contemporary issues.
