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Trump's SNL Cold Open Features Calls from Woods, Melania

4/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In the Saturday Night Live cold open, James Austin Johnson portrays U.S. President Donald Trump.
The sketch features phone calls from Tiger Woods, Melania Trump, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, with Hegseth humorously discussing the war in Iran.
Trump expresses concern about Melania's press conference denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein and suggests it could raise suspicion.
Tiger Woods, recovering from a DUI, informs Trump he is in rehab.

History

Historical Context

The 2016 U.S. presidential election significantly boosted Saturday Night Live's viewership, with the show averaging 11.3 million viewers, its highest in 24 years. Donald Trump's portrayal by Alec Baldwin sparked controversy, as Trump criticized the show on Twitter, reflecting broader discussions about media accountability and political satire's role in shaping public perception of leadership.

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Story summary

In the Saturday Night Live cold open, James Austin Johnson portrays U.S. President Donald Trump.
The sketch features phone calls from Tiger Woods, Melania Trump, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, with Hegseth humorously discussing the war in Iran.
Trump expresses concern about Melania's press conference denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein and suggests it could raise suspicion.
Tiger Woods, recovering from a DUI, informs Trump he is in rehab.

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