AceShowbiz - In the latest episode of Saturday Night Live, the cold open featured a sharp parody of President Donald Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, who humorously shrugged off soaring gas prices and linked America's conflict with Iran to the notorious Epstein Files.

The sketch opened with Johnson interrupting a family in the middle of a conversation about the increasing cost of filling their car's gas tank. When the son, played by Marcello Hernández, questioned the high gas prices, the Trump character jokingly blamed, "The Epstein Files! Kidding, but possibly not."

He then referenced the “Butterfly Effect,” suggesting that Epstein was the "first domino" in a series of events leading to current tensions. Continuing his comedic monologue, the president claimed the U.S. would prevail in the war because "Iran is old and nobody likes them," likening Iran to ballet and opera, and America to "Timmy Chalamet kicking them while they're down."

Johnson's Trump also assured viewers that he had matters well in hand, citing meetings with "the nation's top minds," including internet personality Jake Paul. He noted Paul had been "booed very badly at the Mike Tyson fight," lamenting, "We hate to hear boos." This prompted Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War, to appear from the backseat of the family’s car, quipping, "Did someone say booze?"

The Secretary of War then addressed the audience directly, admitting uncertainty about the administration's plans for Iran. "If you're wondering why I was in the backseat of this random family's car, I'll tell you the same thing I say when people ask about our plans for Iran: I don't know!" he said. He was there to deliver a message from the president: "The news is we won. Hashtag winning!"

Jost's character urged viewers to stop questioning the war's progress, insisting the real issue was media figures who use his statements to make him appear foolish. This drew a dry retort from Johnson's Trump: "Been there. I've been there before, partner."

The sketch continued with Hegseth correcting public misconceptions, saying, "All you dweebs, stop saying the Strait of Hormuz is closed. It's wide open." He acknowledged the presence of floating landmines—"water mines"—in the water but advised that oil tankers should just "close your eyes and gun it," comparing it to his tactic at DUI checkpoints.

The Trump character praised this advice, calling it "Great advice, Pete," as the sketch wrapped up with its signature satirical tone.

This cold open showcased Saturday Night Live's characteristic blend of political satire and absurdity, using humor to comment on current events including gas price inflation, U.S.-Iran tensions, and lingering conspiracy theories linked to Epstein.

Fans can view the full cold open on official Saturday Night Live channels to catch the full comedic performance.