The latest episode of Saturday Night Live featured a highly anticipated cold open with James Austin Johnson reprising his fan-favorite impression of Donald Trump, this time mocking Trump’s recent “Liberation Day” tariff announcement.
The SNL Trump parody opened with Johnson mimicking the former president’s speech from the White House Rose Garden, joking that the new trade policy would “Make America Great Depression Again.” The sketch referenced Trump’s proposed 10% tariffs on all U.S. imports, with even steeper rates targeting trade deficit-heavy nations and trading blocs.
The comedy continued as Johnson’s Trump joked no country is safe—not even remote places like “McDonald Island.” The fictional island, portrayed humorously as a tropical homage to the fast food giant, featured Trump fantasizing about “a Big Mac in a Hula skirt.”
Johnson also took a jab at Trump’s controversial remarks about immigrants, referencing a bizarre moment from the September presidential debate. The parody included commentary on Morgan Wallen’s recent viral SNL appearance, with Trump mocking Wallen’s abrupt stage exit by exclaiming, “Get me to God’s country,” mirroring the country singer’s real-life Instagram post.
In a surprise twist, Mike Myers returned to SNL as Elon Musk, donning a cheesehead hat and joking about his fictional involvement in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election. Myers’ portrayal of Musk added another layer of satire to the political-themed cold open.
The April 2025 episode was hosted by Jack Black, marking his return to Saturday Night Live after 20 years. Elton John and Brandi Carlile were the featured musical guests, delivering a star-studded experience for longtime fans of the show.
