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SNL Season Premiere Features Trump and Mamdani's Friendship
Developing
In Short: Saturday Night Live kicked off its 52nd season with a cold open featuring a sketch centered around an unlikely political friendship between New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, portrayed by Ramy Youssef, and a depiction of former President Donald Trump, played by James Austin Johnson.
Saturday Night Live kicked off its 52nd season with a cold open featuring a sketch centered around an unlikely political friendship between New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, portrayed by Ramy Youssef, and a depiction of former President Donald Trump, played by James Austin Johnson.
In the sketch, Mamdani and Trump discussed a range of topics, including the East Coast storm, the Knicks' championship aspirations, the U.N. meeting in New York City, and Trump's recent hosting of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a state dinner with tech leaders.
Harp, played by Padilla, was described as Trump's executive assistant and was portrayed as being infatuated with the former president, much like the character from 'Obsession.
Jalen Brunson hosted the season premiere, with Katseye as the musical guest. Despite the storm, Harp joked, 'I ran here from D.C., ‘Weapons’ style,' a reference to her character's past.
The sketch highlighted the comedic portrayal of Mamdani and Trump's friendship, with Trump saying, 'I just love hanging out with you. We’re like one of those unlikely animal friendships, like when a tiger gets together with a baby goat.
What's confirmed
- Ramy Youssef stopped by to play New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose office was visited by James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump.
What's still developing
- Soon enough, their discussion was interrupted by Natalie Harp, Trump’s much-discussed executive assistant.