Is there any truth to the rumors surrounding Trump's health? And what role is late-night television playing in this drama? This past weekend, the 51st season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" took a playful jab at President Donald Trump, delving into swirling speculation about his health as well as his fixation on the late-night talk show hosts who often critique him.
The cold open began at a recent military briefing led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, where a lively Colin Jost made headlines by announcing his plan to implement new health and weight regulations throughout the armed forces. "Our military will now have the same guidelines as a well-run fraternity party," he boldly claimed, illustrating an intriguing comparison between military discipline and college culture.
Before long, the show's standout Trump impersonator, James Austin Johnson, made his entrance, portraying himself as a guardian of late-night decorum. He expressed concern over what Jost labeled as "the most significant threat to freedom and democracy we've ever faced"—the very existence of late-night television itself. "I’m just here making sure 'SNL' doesn’t say anything too harsh about me. They’d better tread carefully; I know late night television like it’s tattooed on my palm," he smirked, showcasing his hand, humorously clad in exaggerated makeup similar to that which Trump has reportedly been using lately.
"Not looking great right now," Johnson quipped, quickly retracting his hand and advising, "Don’t focus on it. I’ll have to conceal this for the rest of my days.” Johnson continued to humorously discuss how perhaps "SNL" should have retired gracefully after its landmark 50th season, lamenting, "It’s pitiful to witness something grow old and bewildered while still demanding your unwavering attention."
Touching on the subject of the President’s alleged recent health issues around the Labor Day holiday, Johnson joked, "I enjoyed a wonderful summer, indulging in golf, travel, and... a stroke! Just kidding! Or am I? Either way, you'll never know the truth!"
He also warned the cast and crew of "SNL" to remain on their toes, as retribution could be swift for them if they crossed the line like ABC's Jimmy Kimmel or CBS's Stephen Colbert had before. "Remember: daddy’s watching," he concluded with a cheeky grin, leaving audiences pondering whether his light-hearted banter masked a deeper concern about late-night TV in the current political landscape.
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Watch the full cold open in the link provided.
