SNL Returns With Trump, Mamdani and One Very Wet Cold Open
Saturday Night Live is BACK, and Season 52 wasted no time getting straight into the political circus. The premiere opened with James Austin Johnson returning as Donald Trump, this time dropping in on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion.
Ramy Youssef once again slips into the role of Mamdani, giving the sketch its central odd-couple setup as Trump insists he needs more time with the mayor. Between the presidential visit, the New York setting and some truly miserable storm weather, SNL had plenty to work with before the sketch even got fully underway.
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SNL Is Back in Session
Catch up with the new season and bring a little Studio 8H energy home.
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The cold open also brings Ashley Padilla into the mix as Trump aide Natalie Harp. Her arrival gives the sketch another visual punch, with SNL leaning into the downpour outside Gracie Mansion as part of the running gag.
The sketch arrived as part of SNL’s Season 52 premiere, hosted by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson with Katseye as musical guest. Both made their SNL debuts, giving the night a very New York start before the show moved on to the rest of the premiere.
For its first cold open of the season, SNL keeps things simple: recognizable impressions, a current New York storyline and enough rain-soaked chaos to make the whole visit feel properly ridiculous. And just like that, Studio 8H is back in business.
SNL Season 52 Trump and Zohran Mamdani Cold Open Gallery
SNL’s Trump and Zohran Mamdani Cold Open
Watch the full Season 52 cold open from Saturday Night Live below.
Source: Saturday Night Live / YouTube; additional premiere context via NBC/Variety and Deadline.
