SNL Skewers Trump; Bad Bunny Responds to Super Bowl Criticism
The Season 51 premiere of *Saturday Night Live* showcased a blend of politics and humor, beginning October 4, 2025. The episode featured the musician Bad Bunny as the host, who addressed criticism surrounding his upcoming performance at the Super Bowl halftime show in February.
SNL Critiques Trump and Hegseth
The show’s cold open included a skit that lampooned President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Comedian Colin Jost portrayed Hegseth, ridiculing his recent remarks made during a military address in Quantico, Virginia. Jost cracked jokes about Hegseth’s comments regarding ICE, suggesting a sign-up sheet for immigration enforcement in the fictional skit.
James Austin Johnson, impersonating Trump, interrupted the sketch, insisting he was monitoring *SNL* to ensure they didn’t cross any lines. He humorously referenced a bruised hand, claiming it was due to frequent handshakes and aspirin use, which the White House also mentioned. Trump has a history of criticizing *SNL*, previously suggesting government oversight of its portrayals.
Bad Bunny Addresses Super Bowl Criticism
As the musical guest and host, Bad Bunny tackled the backlash against his Super Bowl halftime performance. He began with light-heartedness, stating, “I think everyone is happy about it, even Fox News.” The Puerto Rican artist emphasized the significance of his performance for the Latino community, stating, “It shows our footprint and our contribution to this country.”
In a bilingual message, he encouraged understanding among audiences, quipping, “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.” His remarks underline the importance of representation in mainstream events like the Super Bowl.
Political Commentary in Weekend Update
After the episode, the White House responded to inquiries from NPR, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson claiming they prioritized more entertaining activities than watching *SNL*.
- Event: *Saturday Night Live* Season 51 Premiere
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Host: Bad Bunny
- Key Subjects: Trump, Pete Hegseth, Super Bowl, Government shutdown
- Notable Quotes:
- “I think everyone is happy about it, even Fox News.”
- “It shows our footprint and our contribution to this country.”
This episode of *SNL* not only brought laughter but also highlighted important cultural discussions and ongoing political issues in a unique format.
