SNL Satirizes Trump Administration's Actions in Venezuela and Minneapolis

In its January 17, 2026 episode, 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) returned from hiatus with a cold open satirizing President Donald Trump's recent actions concerning Venezuela and the ICE shooting in Minneapolis.

James Austin Johnson portrayed President Trump, who humorously recounted receiving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a 'Christmas gift,' stating, 'We did a reverse Santa on him.'

Colin Jost appeared as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, expressing frustration over the U.S. operation in Venezuela, remarking, 'We went in, straight up stole their president.'

The sketch also addressed the ICE shooting in Minneapolis, with Ashley Padilla playing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Padilla's Noem made a recruitment pitch for ICE, asking, 'Is your neck wider than your head? Are you currently wearing a Punisher T-shirt? Have you ever punched a hole in the wall because your son took a dance class? Grab a gun and saddle up, big boy.'

This episode marked the first of 2026, featuring Finn Wolfhard as host and A$AP Rocky as the musical guest.