Saturday Night Live turned its attention to escalating global tensions during its latest episode, weaving real-world headlines into its signature political satire. The long-running sketch show opened with a pointed take on President Donald Trump, blending references to military action involving Iran with ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Epstein files.
SNL trolls Donald Trump amid Iran War
Saturday Night Live opened its Feb. 28 episode with a sketch addressing reports that the United States and Israel launched military strikes and combat operations against Iran earlier in the day, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. James Austin Johnson portrayed President Donald Trump and declared, “Happy World War III to all who celebrate!”
In the cold open, Johnson’s Trump said he launched the attack because he and his “Board of Peace decided that we were bored of peace” and because he needed help “distracting from the Epstein files.” He added, “I know on the campaign trail I promised no new foreign wars. But listen: Wars, plural, right? I’m allowed to do one.”
The character also addressed the timing of the strikes, saying, “People are asking, ‘Why attack Iran now?’ Well, we had to strike in the early hours of Saturday, which has two advantages militarily: One, it’s after the stock market closes for the weekend, and two, it’s to cause immeasurable fear, rage and chaos in the ‘SNL’ writer’s room.” He continued, “Those guys were going crazy. They probably had a big State of the Union address thing they were going to do. Not anymore!”
Colin Jost appeared as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and said, “I am scared and I don’t know what I’m doing. When he said we were going to blow up the leader of Iran, I thought he was kidding.”
The episode marked the show’s first new installment after a nearly month-long hiatus and returned to its typical format of beginning with a Trump spoof. Connor Storrie hosted the episode, with Mumford & Sons serving as musical guests. Ryan Gosling will host next week alongside Gorillaz, and Harry Styles will host and perform on March 14.
