In a memorable October 18, 2025 episode, Saturday Night Live featured James Austin Johnson’s spot-on impression of Donald Trump, who hijacked a teen podcast hosted by Sabrina Carpenter to humorously reframe national protests as celebrations for George Santos’s prison release, boast about ending wars, and ponder his chances of entering heaven.
The iconic sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live once again proved its enduring relevance as a mirror to American politics and culture during its October 18, 2025, episode. Hosted by pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, the show delivered a particularly sharp segment featuring James Austin Johnson’s widely acclaimed portrayal of Donald Trump. Dropping into a fictional teen podcast called “Snack Homiez,” Trump offered his unfiltered, rambling, and often absurd takes on pressing national events, much to the comedic delight of audiences and the show’s loyal fanbase.
The ‘Yes, King’ March: A Comedic Reimagining of Protest and Freedom
One of the sketch’s central comedic elements was Trump’s audacious reinterpretation of the real-world “No Kings” protests. In a classic SNL twist, Johnson’s Trump insisted these demonstrations were, in fact, “Yes, King!” marches, celebrating his recent decision to commute the sentence of former Republican congressman George Santos. Santos, who was serving a seven-year federal prison term for defrauding voters and aggravated identity theft, became an unlikely figure of praise for the satirical Trump.
The SNL version of Trump expressed peculiar admiration for Santos, stating, “You know who I like is that George Santos. He’s weird, he’s a liar. I think he’s great. We don’t know anything about him, he’s one of our favorite people.” This commentary directly satirized the real president’s recent controversial move and his public remarks, offering a humorous yet pointed critique of political rhetoric. The notion that “people are marching because they’re happy he’s free” inverted the true sentiment of the protests, highlighting SNL’s skill in lampooning reality, as reported by The Independent.
From Candy to Conflict: Trump’s Global Achievements and Zelensky’s Praise
What started as a discussion about Halloween candy and “goated vegetables” on the “Snack Homiez” podcast quickly devolved into Trump’s characteristic tangents. The sketch saw Trump boast about his purported diplomatic successes, claiming to have “solved like seven wars at this point” or even “100 wars.” This exaggerated self-praise mirrored frequent real-world claims by the former president regarding his achievements on the global stage. These comedic boasts highlight a recurrent theme in political satire: the self-aggrandizing nature of public figures.
In another departure from reality, the SNL Trump praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “tough,” a notable contrast to the real-world Trump’s historical reluctance to offer the Ukrainian leader crucial military aid, such as U.S. Tomahawk missiles. This specific detail further underscored the sketch’s intent to highlight the disparity between public perception and actual policy, adding another layer of depth to the satire, as noted by Variety.
Heaven, Hell, and the Haunting Echo of ‘Epstein’
The segment took a dark comedic turn as Trump delved into his personal musings about the afterlife. “Am I going to heaven, chat?” he inquired, a reference to his frequent public discussions about religious criteria for salvation. When posed to the teen podcasters, a visibly uncertain Chloe Fineman replied, “Um, I don’t know, sir.” Trump’s self-aware follow-up, “Probably not, right? Epstein,” delivered with typical SNL precision, landed a chilling punchline that resonated with audiences, referencing the controversial figure Jeffrey Epstein.
The comedic thread continued on the episode’s Weekend Update segment, where host Colin Jost further elaborated on Trump’s potential post-presidency fate: “He’s far too busy here, running hell.” This sharp, succinct joke cemented the episode’s satirical take on the former president’s public persona, reinforcing SNL’s role in providing incisive, timely political commentary.
Behind the Satire: SNL’s Enduring Commentary
The October 18, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live, despite starting approximately 14 minutes late due to an extended college football broadcast, wasted no time in engaging with current events. Opening with a fan-favorite “Domingo” sketch rather than its traditional political cold open, the show strategically placed its political satire within the popular “Snack Homiez” podcast segment.
James Austin Johnson has become a staple of modern SNL, his impression of Donald Trump widely praised for its uncanny accuracy and ability to capture the former president’s unique cadence and rhetorical style. This sketch further solidified his role as a key satirist, transforming breaking news into memorable comedic moments. The episode’s success demonstrates how SNL continues to leverage its platform to critically engage with political discourse, providing fans with both entertainment and thought-provoking satire.
The Cast Behind the Comedy: Sabrina Carpenter and the ‘Snack Homiez’ Team
The “Snack Homiez” podcast sketch featured a strong ensemble, expertly led by host and musical guest Sabrina Carpenter. Carpenter, alongside talented cast members Chloe Fineman, Jane Wickline, and Veronika Slowikowska, portrayed the initially earnest teenage podcasters whose conversation about candy was abruptly derailed by Trump’s appearance. Their reactions—from confusion to mild discomfort—provided an excellent foil to Johnson’s over-the-top performance, enhancing the comedic impact of the segment.
This episode is a testament to the collaborative genius of SNL, where guest hosts, impressionists, and the full cast come together to create sharp, relevant comedy that transcends the weekly news cycle. For fans of classic films and political satire alike, SNL continues to offer a unique blend of historical perspective and contemporary commentary, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of American television.
