SNL opens season with sketch lampooning Trump and aide Natalie Harp

Saturday Night Live began its 52nd season with a cold-open that satirized President Donald Trump and his White House aide Natalie Harp. In the sketch, Johnson played Trump during a meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, portrayed by guest Ramy Youssef, at Gracie Mansion. The encounter was interrupted by Harp, performed by Ashley Padilla, who arrived wet from a storm and offered to assist the president.

"Natalie, I didn’t realize you were in New York," Trump said, to which Harp replied, "Oh, I wasn’t. I ran here from D.C., weapons-style. I came in case you needed anything."

The sketch referenced recent media attention on Harp’s close relationship with Trump, noting that letters she wrote in 2023 expressed personal devotion. Trump compared Harp to a character from the horror film Obsession, prompting her to mimic the role before assuring she was "totally normal." She then warned the mayor, "If you hurt him, I will end you."

After Harp’s exit, Trump pleaded to remain in New York, leading the mayor to request $21 billion for a Queens housing project. The mayor suggested, "What if I follow you back on Instagram?" Trump responded, "It’s a done deal."

The Independent sought comment from the White House but did not receive a response.