SNL Sparks Controversy with Elon Musk Cold Open Amid Tragedy

Show ignores fatal shooting to focus on comedic Trump Awards sketch featuring Mike Myers as Musk

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:43am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in red, white, and black, conveying a sense of tension and controversy without depicting any specific people or events.SNL's controversial cold open sketch sparks debate over the role of comedy during times of national tragedy.Minneapolis Today

Saturday Night Live's cold open sketch this week featured a comedic take on "The 1st Annual Trumps" awards, with James Austin Johnson portraying a larger-than-life President Trump. The highlight was a brief appearance by Mike Myers reprising his role as Elon Musk, who accepted a "Lifetime Achievement Award for comedy." However, the decision to ignore the recent fatal shooting of an American citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis and instead focus on the Trump-centric sketch has sparked debate and criticism.

Why it matters

SNL's choice to avoid addressing the tragic events unfolding in the nation and instead lean into a controversial comedic sketch has raised questions about the show's role and responsibility during times of crisis. Some argue the program missed an opportunity to reflect the country's pain, while others defend the need for levity in dark times.

The details

The cold open sketch featured almost every SNL cast member taking on the role of a Trump sycophant or ally, with a notable absence of the First Lady Melania Trump, who was screening her documentary at the White House. The real highlight was the brief appearance of Mike Myers as Elon Musk, who delivered a line about being "so emotionless to be here." This set the stage for a mournful rendition of the "America's Funniest Home Videos" theme song, a stark contrast to the tragic events unfolding in the nation.

  • The fatal shooting of an American citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis occurred earlier today.
  • Saturday Night Live aired its 11th show of the 51st season on April 13, 2026.

The players

James Austin Johnson

An SNL cast member who portrayed a larger-than-life version of former President Donald Trump in the cold open sketch.

Mike Myers

A former SNL cast member who briefly returned to reprise his role as Elon Musk in the cold open sketch.

Teyana Taylor

The host of the April 13, 2026 episode of Saturday Night Live, a rising star and Oscar nominee.

Alex Pretti

An ICU nurse whose fatal shooting by Border Patrol agents was labeled as an act of domestic terrorism by the Trump administration, a claim contradicted by clear visuals showing Pretti intervening to stop an assault.

Melania Trump

The former First Lady, who was absent from the cold open sketch as she was screening her documentary at the White House.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so emotionless to be here, and if anyone knows humor, it's me.”

— Mike Myers (as Elon Musk), Actor

What’s next

The shooting death of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, is expected to be a major news story in the coming days, with the Trump administration's claims of domestic terrorism being scrutinized and challenged.

The takeaway

SNL's decision to ignore the tragic shooting and instead focus on a comedic sketch featuring controversial figures like Trump and Musk has sparked debate about the show's role and responsibility during times of crisis. The program's choice to prioritize levity over reflection has left some viewers questioning whether it missed an important opportunity to address the nation's pain.