During an October 10 sketch, Saturday Night Live
broadcast a cold open featuring Colin Jost as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth greeting the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln in San Diego after a lengthy deployment, while James Austin Johnson appeared as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The sketch opened with Colin Jost stepping back into the role of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, sporting an ammunition belt loaded with miniature bottles of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky to address the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln, as reported by USA Today. The real aircraft carrier had just returned to port in San Diego following a 322-day deployment supporting the U.S. war with Iran, spending more than 260 consecutive days at sea without a port call, according to Variety. In the sketch, Jost’s Hegseth greeted the sailors with a stark assessment of their homecoming.
“You’re back home safe in sunny San Diego, which the president just asked Iran to blow up.”
Colin Jost as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, via USA Today
The routine immediately touched on reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the vessel during its extended mission, including plumbing issues and mental health struggles. Variety noted that eight sailors attempted suicide during the deployment. In the sketch, Jost’s Hegseth addressed those figures directly.
“I couldn’t be more proud of you. Only eight of you attempted suicide. Two of you since I started talking.”
Colin Jost as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, via Variety
Pete Hegseth Announces Livestreamed Executions and Unveils a Controversial Logo
Shifting from the navy deployment to activities on land, Jost’s Hegseth briefed the sailors on upcoming plans from the Trump administration. As detailed by Yahoo, the defense secretary announced that the government would soon livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, a former Army major sentenced to death after killing 13 people and injuring 32 others in a 2009 terror attack at Fort Hood, Texas.
In December, as we get into the Christmas spirit, we’re going to execute a guy in a wheelchair on live TV.
Colin Jost as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, via USA Today
Yahoo reported that the real-world execution plan has drawn condemnation from lawmakers, with Republican Senator Thom Tillis calling the plan beyond disgusting
on X, stating that public executions resemble the practices of oppressive regimes like Iran and Afghanistan, while Republican Representative Austin Scott added that while he supports the death sentence for Hasan, livestreaming it is what jihadists do.
Jost’s Hegseth also poked fun at the recent botched execution of death row inmate Christa Pike in late September, telling the sailors that if the prisoner survives the firing squad, then he’s got to fight Jake Paul,
according to Yahoo and Dailymail. The sketch then turned to a new logo for the Department of War, which Hegseth proudly unveiled on a podium backdrop. When a sailor asked if it was a Nazi eagle, Hegseth replied defensively, It’s an American eagle with a Nazi vibe,
as noted by USA Today and Deadline.
James Austin Johnson Appears as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Discuss Meat Recalls
Stepping away from his usual role impersonating President Donald Trump, James Austin Johnson joined the cold open as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., bringing a distinct perspective on national health and recent food safety issues, according to USA Today and Yahoo.
“Yes, 200,000 pounds of pork, beef and goat meat have been recalled, but I just want to stress that catfish, pony and cricket are viable proteins for any American family. But I want to thank you: We were able to spot those recalls early by testing the meats on your ship.”
James Austin Johnson as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., via USA Today
Yahoo and Variety reported that Johnson’s Kennedy announced he would officially rename cold and flu season to cold and flu and listeria and measles and trench brain season,
before breaking character at the very end to say It’s been my esteemed pleasure
in a normal voice.
Shane Gillis Hosts as NBC Announces a Brief Hiatus for the Sketch Show
Comedian Shane Gillis handled hosting duties for the evening alongside musical guest Rosalía, marking his third time hosting the NBC program since his departure in 2019, as reported by Variety. Gillis generated online discussion and backlash for controversial remarks during his monologue, including a joke about women at the gym, and also accidentally delivered an uncensored f-bomb on live television during a sketch, an incident he addressed during the show’s goodnights by saying Sorry about earlier,
according to USA Today.
