Weekend Update Takes Aim at Trump, Hegseth, and Trump TV
SNL's Weekend Update skewered Donald Trump's state visit with Xi Jinping, including a bomber flyover and Trump's expression. Colin Jost also mocked Pete Hegseth's remarks about transgender service members, while Michael Che joked about the launch of Trump TV. The segment additionally touched on Mitch McConnell's return to the Senate.
Weekend Update focused on Trump’s three-day state visit for Xi Jinping. Trump met him at Joint Base Andrews, where a long red carpet was laid out and B-2 bombers flew overhead. Footage showed Trump wincing beside a composed Xi. Jost doubted the display conveyed strength.
The same segment had Jost criticizing Hegseth’s summer speech at Texas A&M, where he said training should replace social experimentation and used a slur for transgender service members. Che joked about the new 24/7 “Trump TV” channel after CNN, Politico, and MS NOW were temporarily barred from the White House. McConnell’s Senate return was also mentioned.
This segment may shape how late-night audiences discuss political conduct, military policy, and media access. Viewers who follow SNL could see the jokes as commentary on transgender service members, press freedoms, and executive spectacle. It may amplify existing debates rather than change minds, with affected groups including LGBTQ+ military personnel, journalists, and politically engaged viewers. Its impact likely remains cultural and conversational, not legislative.