“Saturday Night Live” opened its December 13 episode with a sharply satirical sketch that reimagined President Donald Trump delivering a chaotic holiday press briefing aboard Air Force One. Portrayed once again by cast member James Austin Johnson, the segment blended seasonal imagery with exaggerated political commentary, targeting recent headlines and Trump’s public persona.
The cold open began with a spoof of the classic Christmas poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, transforming Santa’s sleigh into the presidential aircraft. Johnson and Trump appeared dramatically from behind a curtain, joking that the entrance reminded him of past beauty pageant events. He then announced he had taken two conflicting prescription medications, setting the tone for a rambling and unpredictable performance.
Much of the sketch revolved around Trump’s interactions with his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, played by Ashley Padilla. The character offered excessive and uncomfortable praise, prompting awkward reactions from the surrounding press corps. The exaggerated behavior was played for laughs, highlighting criticisms that have followed Trump’s public remarks over the years.
The parody also addressed multiple political and cultural topics. When questioned about recently released photographs connected to Jeffrey Epstein, the Trump character initially dismissed them as fabricated before abruptly reversing his stance and claiming ownership of the images. The sudden shift underscored the sketch’s broader theme of contradiction and impulsiveness.
Economic commentary was also lampooned, with Trump declaring the country prosperous for everyone “from billionaires to struggling millionaires.” In another segment, he referenced U.S. military actions abroad, jokingly declaring a new era of “pirate-style” enforcement before unveiling fictional footage of a drone strike targeting Santa Claus’s sleigh.
A brief exchange with CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins, portrayed by Chloe Fineman, mirrored real-world tensions between Trump and the media. After insulting the reporter, the character insisted he was respectful toward women, prompting a dry, understated response from Collins that drew laughter from the audience.
The sketch concluded with Trump announcing his nightly routine, describing an elaborate process involving bandages and makeup to cover his hand. He closed the press conference by expressing exaggerated concern over his own health, ending the segment on an absurd note.
The episode, hosted by actor Josh O’Connor with musical guest Lily Allen, marked the second of three consecutive new broadcasts to close out 2025. “Saturday Night Live” is scheduled to air its final episode of the year on December 20, hosted by Ariana Grande with Cher as the musical guest, before taking its annual holiday hiatus.
