The May 2 episode of Saturday Night Live, hosted by Olivia Rodrigo, focused on political satire in relation to the growing controversies surrounding the second Trump administration.
Comedian Aziz Ansari made a surprise return to SNL to play FBI director Kash Patel, his first appearance on the show since 2017.
In the sketch, Defense Secretary Hegseth, played by Colin Jost, leans into a persona of “bravery” after recent congressional testimony and a viral TikTok military video.
The sketch mocked the ongoing war in Iran – which lasted approximately 60 days in the show’s timeline – with Jost’s Hegseth describing the war as “a movie” and boasting about “sickening airstrikes”.
Ansari’s portrayal of Patel included a viral moment where he mocked the pioneer as the first Indian person to have his job undone, and contrasted himself to the stereotype of being hard-working and intelligent.
The sketch touches on real-world controversies, including an assassination attempt at the White House correspondents’ dinner and rumors about Patel’s job security and personal habits.
It continued the 51st season’s trend of using both cast members and celebrity guests to mock the second Trump administration, airing in an episode hosted by Olivia Rodrigo.
He said, “We attacked Iran with everything we have…missiles, bombs, drones and twins. But now we’re in a ceasefire – wink.”
Moments later, a reporter interjected: “But President Trump himself announced that the war is over.”
“Well, yes, when he says it, it’s nice. And to quote another thing he says, ‘You’re fired!'” Jost replied, referencing Trump’s catchphrase on The Apprentice.
“What happened? This is K Dot, that is Kash with a K, that is, the most effective FBI director this country has ever had, Kash Patel!” he declared.
“After the assassination attempt on President Trump — another one — we conducted an investigation that could not have been more thorough,” Ansari said.
FBI Director Kash Patel is facing significant public criticism and internal demands for his removal from the bureau. A case has been filed against Patel atlantic About a profile detailing allegations of frequent drinking and erratic professional behavior.
In a letter to Congress on Friday, President Trump declared that hostilities with Iran have officially ended, noting that there have been no firing since April 7. This declaration allowed the administration to bypass the 60-day legal deadline for obtaining congressional approval for the conflict.
Despite claiming the war is over, Trump warned reporters on Saturday that he was prepared to order new military strikes if Iran “misbehaves.”
