James Austin Johnson Spoofs Trump in SNL Cold Open

NEW YORK, NY — James Austin Johnson returned to the “Saturday Night Live” cold open on November 8, 2025, parodying a moment from a recent press conference where Donald Trump announced plans to lower the cost of weight-loss drugs.

In the skit, Johnson’s Trump intentionally ignores a collapsed man on the floor, walking over him as medical personnel attempt to assist. The scene mimics a real-life Getty Images photo of Trump at the Resolute Desk, seemingly oblivious to a man being treated nearby.

The cold open served as commentary on the recent off-year elections, perceived as a rebuke to Trump amid rising prices. Many political analysts predict a potential White House course correction, given Trump’s focus on foreign affairs, trade deals, and renovating national landmarks. However, Trump dismissed concerns about affordability, stating, “I don’t want to hear about the affordability.”

During the sketch, Johnson’s Trump declared, “I promised grocery prices would plummet, and they did. They plummeted straight up. People are now asking, ‘How will I afford my Thanksgiving turkey for my family?’ The good news is your family is not coming because all the planes are gone. We call that problem-solving!” He also joked about the use of the weight-loss drug Ozempic, stating, “Can’t afford food? Have some cheap Ozempic.”

The ongoing government shutdown has affected many aid programs, as the administration announced it would not be able to fully provide food and nutrition benefits using emergency funds. It was also reported that flight cancellations were occurring nationwide as air traffic controllers went unpaid.

Trump commented on the shutdown saying, “The government is still shut down, all thanks to the Democrats and some Republicans, and me. People say, ‘Just cave, Don. Give the Democrats what they want and end this.’ But I think we’re going to drag it out.” He added a humorous note about potentially “stealing Christmas” by comparing himself to the Grinch.