SNL Cold Open Mocks Trump Over Iran Attack

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In the February 28 cold open of Saturday Night Live, the show's writers quickly pivoted to mock former President Donald Trump over the U.S. and Israel's recent attack on Iran. The sketch, featuring James Austin Johnson as Trump, poked fun at the former president's justification for the strikes and his tendency to use dramatic actions to distract from controversies. Colin Jost also reprised his role as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who provided an aggressive update on the attack.

Why it matters

The SNL cold open reflects growing public skepticism and criticism of the military action, which many view as an attempt by the former president to distract from his legal troubles. The sketch highlights the ongoing political divide over Trump's foreign policy decisions and the role of satire in holding leaders accountable.

The details

In the cold open, Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, mocked the rationale for the attack, claiming the U.S. and Israel decided to strike Iran in the early morning hours to "cause immeasurable fear, rage, and chaos in the SNL writers' room." He also broke out into a rendition of "War" by Edwin Starr, singing "War, what is it good for? Distracting from the Epstein files." Jost's character, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, defended the attack, saying the U.S. "took out a horrendous, horrible leader who was oppressing his own people." But Trump quickly interjected, "But don't get any ideas!"

• The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in the early morning hours of February 28, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The sketch's critique of the military action and Trump's motivations is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the former president's foreign policy decisions and the role of satire in political discourse.