James Talarico made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” on November 7, interrupting President Donald Trump during the show’s cold open with a message about the long-running comedy series.
The Democrat, who won his U.S. Senate race in the 2026 midterm elections, appeared near the end of the episode’s opening sketch. Talarico received cheers and applause from the studio audience before joining James Austin Johnson, who portrayed Trump.
James Talarico Interrupts Trump With an Unexpected Message
Talarico entered the sketch after Johnson’s Trump discussed the election results and what they meant for the remaining two years of his presidency.
“Hi, America. I’m James Talarico, the guy who’s been texting you every day asking for $5,” Talarico told the audience.
The senator-elect then addressed Trump directly, initially calling for cooperation between Democrats and Republicans.
“But I think, Mr. President, if we can work together, we can make life better for everyday Americans. It’s clear people want something new. They want something different. I’m talking, of course, about SNL’s cold opens. How many of these Trump freezers are they going to do?”
Johnson’s Trump immediately responded, “Infinity!”
“Well, in that case, there’s only one thing left to say,” Talarico replied.
The two then delivered the show’s traditional opening line together: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
‘Saturday Night Live’ Opens With Democrats Celebrating Midterm Election Wins
Before Talarico popped up, the cold open began with Sarah Sherman portraying Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Kenan Thompson playing House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The two characters celebrated their party’s victories in the midterm elections.
“This election marked a seismic shift in politics,” Sherman’s Schumer declared.
Thompson’s Jeffries then addressed the success of younger Democratic candidates.
“These young Democrats have the base energized,” he said. “Perhaps it’s time for us to step aside and pass the torch to the next generation.”
The studio audience cheered, but both characters immediately began laughing at the suggestion.
“No, never!” Jeffries declared.
He continued, “I’d like to make a toast. Let’s raise our glasses, shall we, to the Democrats. We flipped the House. We flipped the Senate. And how did we do it?”
Johnson’s Trump then entered the scene to take credit for the Democrats’ success.
“Me!” he exclaimed. “That’s right. The Democrats never would have won without this horrible economy and terrible war. So in the words of Moana’s big, fat friend, ‘You’re welcome.’ Maui, Chris Rock.”
Trump then acknowledged the political challenges ahead.
“But now, I am lame duck. They’re saying the era of Trump is over.”
‘SNL’ Cast Brings JD Vance and Pete Hegseth Into the Election Sketch
Jeremy Culhane appeared as Vice President JD Vance, interrupting Trump’s remarks with his own announcement.
“And the era of Vance has just begun!” Culhane declared.
“No, go away,” Johnson’s Trump responded.
“Eh, worth a shot,” Vance replied.
Trump then complained about working with the incoming Democratic majority, particularly its younger members.
“The next two years are going to be awful. I don’t want to work with these people. It’s not that they’re Dumbocrats, it’s that they’re Millennials. Even worse: Millennial cringe is back. New Girl, adorkable, mason jar wedding, etc., etc. They’ll be doing stomp-clap songs.”
The sketch also featured Colin Jost portraying Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who pledged to remain loyal to Trump.
“I live a YOLO lifestyle — you only lose often — so I’m gonna keep losing for you, sir. Unless Congress impeaches me. But you won’t let that happen, right?” Jost’s Hegseth asked.
“Of course not,” Trump replied. “Unless I do, which I will.”
‘SNL’ Brings Out James Talarico to Confront Donald Trump With an Unexpected Message