SNL Cold Open Targets Pete Hegseth and Trump's Iran Remarks
Saturday Night Live opened with Colin Jost playing Pete Hegseth, who welcomed the USS Abraham Lincoln back to San Diego after 321 days at sea. The sketch mocked the ship's conditions and referenced President Trump's recent suggestion that Iran could strike Los Angeles or San Diego. Shane Gillis hosted the episode, and Rosalía performed as the musical guest.
The sketch placed Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth, welcoming the USS Abraham Lincoln home to San Diego after 321 days. It joked about the deployment’s toll, citing suicide attempts, combat missions, no casualties or flight mishaps, and nonworking toilets. The bit also nodded to Trump’s Nebraska rally remarks that Iran could target Los Angeles or San Diego.
Shane Gillis hosted for the third time, following 2024 and 2025 appearances; he had briefly been an SNL featured player before being fired after a racial-slur video surfaced. Rosalía returned as musical guest for a second time. Season 52 previously featured hosts Jalen Brunson and Dakota Johnson, with Inde Navarrette and Gracie Abrams set for the Halloween episode.
The sketch may shape how late-night audiences process recent political and military news, blending satire with real events. Viewers familiar with SNL could see the segment as commentary on veterans’ conditions and presidential rhetoric, while supporters of Trump or Hegseth may view it as unfair. It could amplify discussion online about deployment hardships and Iran-related remarks, potentially affecting public perceptions of military service, political leadership, and comedy’s role in civic debate.