In a memorable episode of Saturday Night Live aired on April 2, 2025, the NBC late-night staple took a sharp jab at country star Morgan Wallen, who controversially walked off the show the previous week. During the cold open, a character impersonating Donald Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, humorously critiqued Wallen’s departure and his subsequent Instagram post. The post featured a photo of Wallen’s private jet on its way to Nashville, captioned, “Get me to God’s country.” This phrase was mockingly echoed by Johnson’s Trump, leading to a hearty reaction from the audience in Studio 8H.

Wallen’s abrupt exit had sparked discussions regarding his demeanor and conduct, which SNL capitalized on through its comedic lens. The episode cleverly intertwined Wallen's antics with a broader commentary on Trump’s recent actions related to “Liberation Day,” a term referring to a contentious speech where Trump made questionable claims about tariffs affecting the economy.

In another humorous segment, Mike Myers returned to portray Elon Musk, who parodied Trump’s incoherent remarks during a recent Rose Garden announcement. Myers’ portrayal of Musk introduced a fictional Tesla Model V, hilariously dubbed the first self-vandalizing electric car. “It comes equipped with self-smashing headlights, self-slashing tires, and even AI-powered graffiti,” Myers quipped, showcasing SNL's knack for satire by mocking the real-world backlash against Tesla. The outrageous nature of the features, including the choice of graffiti designs, highlighted the absurdity surrounding Musk's public persona and his company’s struggles.

The cold open didn’t shy away from touching on pressing current events. Johnson's Trump humorously lamented, “Your money’s gone, but that’s okay, we’ll figure it out,” succinctly summarizing the public's frustration with ongoing economic issues tied to government policies. SNL’s writers have found a rich vein of material in the chaotic political landscape, particularly since Trump’s return to prominence and the latest controversies surrounding his administration.

This particular episode also addressed several topical issues, including a last-minute extension for TikTok deadlines, turbulent stock markets, and speculations about Musk's potential departure from Tesla. Other significant news stories, such as Senator Cory Booker’s marathon speech and the recent firings in the Trump administration, were set aside for future sketches as the writers opted to focus on more immediate comedic targets. Notably, a potential bomb threat incident involving actress Scarlett Johansson was thankfully not included in the sketches, reflecting the delicate balance SNL maintains in addressing serious news without crossing sensitive lines.

Hosting SNL for the fourth time was Jack Black, whose recent film, A Minecraft Movie, had a phenomenal opening weekend with earnings of $260 million. His exuberant return added an extra layer of excitement to the episode, especially as he brought along the buzz from his successful movie launch. Additionally, the musical guest for the evening was the legendary Elton John, performing alongside acclaimed artist Brandi Carlile, both of whom are seasoned performers on the show.

Looking ahead, the following week’s episode promises to maintain the momentum, with Jon Hamm returning as host for the fourth time, coinciding with the release of his new series, Your Friends and Neighbors, on Apple TV+. Lizzo will also return as the musical guest, having previously graced the SNL stage in various roles.