SNL Cold Open Mocks Trump’s (Fictional) TikTok Ban and Second Inauguration

Did someone spike the water cooler at 30 Rock? SNL’s post-holiday return launched us into a bizarro world where Trump’s somehow snagged a second term, TikTok’s fate is more flip-floppy than a politician’s promises, and George Santos is… well, George Santos. The January 20th cold open, hosted by the always unpredictable Dave Chappelle with musical guest Lil Yachty, was a chaotic yet undeniably entertaining ride. Let’s unpack this comedic rollercoaster.

Trump’s TikTok Tango: A Love-Hate Relationship (Emphasis on the Hate… Maybe?)

James Austin Johnson, reprising his uncanny Trump impression, held a mock press conference that felt more like a stand-up set at a MAGA rally. The central joke? Trump’s baffling relationship with TikTok. One minute he’s banning it, the next he’s thanking it for his (fictional) re-election. The skit perfectly skewers Trump’s tendency to contradict himself, leaving viewers wondering if this was satire or just a Tuesday.

Before the Trump show began, SNL served up an appetizer of fake MSNBC, with Sarah Sherman’s gloriously unhinged Rachel Maddow impression leading the charge. It was the perfect warm-up, setting the stage for the main event: a Trumpian tornado of non-sequiturs and self-congratulation.

Johnson’s Trump, basking in the glow of a second inauguration (don’t ask), riffed on everything from the fictional TikTok ban to the very real Ice Bucket Challenge. He even threw in some trendy buzzwords like “The Rizzler” (still trying to figure that one out) and “Get Ready With Me,” proving that even a fake Trump can’t resist the allure of internet slang.

Santos, Sephora, and the Secretary of… Fact-Checking?

Just when you thought the skit couldn’t get any weirder, Bowen Yang sashayed in as George Santos – or rather, George Santos, the self-proclaimed “Secretary of Fact Checking and Ambassador to Sephora.” It was a perfect encapsulation of the Santos saga, highlighting the sheer audacity of his fabricated persona.

The Jokes That Landed (and the Ones That… Didn’t)

Not every joke was a home run, but the skit’s strength lay in its commitment to absurdity. The rapid-fire delivery, combined with Johnson’s impeccable Trumpian cadence, created a comedic whirlwind. Some highlights:

• “We love TikTok… it got me elected.” The blatant hypocrisy, delivered with Trumpian sincerity, was pure gold.
• “They’re trying to take The Rizzler away from us!” This line became instantly iconic, precisely because nobody knows what “The Rizzler” is.
• “We do love Costco Guys. Boom!” The unexpectedness, the randomness, the Costco Guys – it was all perfectly bizarre.

From Fiction to Reality: The TikTok Ban Debate

While SNL’s TikTok ban was fictional, it cleverly mirrored real-world anxieties surrounding the platform. Trump’s actual attempts to ban TikTok in 2020, fueled by concerns about data privacy and national security, provided the skit with a grounding in reality. This allowed SNL to explore the complex relationship between technology, politics, and public perception, all while keeping us in stitches.

The Verdict: A Chaotic, Hilarious Mess

This cold open wasn’t always subtle or sophisticated, but it was a hilarious reflection of our current political climate, viewed through a funhouse mirror. It was a reminder that even in the face of absurdity, laughter can be a powerful antidote. SNL may not have predicted the future, but it certainly captured the zeitgeist.

Who Played Who? The Cast Breakdown

• Donald Trump: James Austin Johnson
• Rachel Maddow: Sarah Sherman
• George Santos: Bowen Yang

Beyond the Jokes: Deeper Meaning?

Some might interpret the skit as a commentary on our dependence on social media, our anxieties about political leadership, or simply the chaotic nature of modern life. Others might just see it as a funny sketch. Either way, SNL gave us plenty to think about – and laugh about.