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SNL' spoofs Trump and Mamdani bromance, skewers Natalie Harp

PUBLISHED Sep 27, 2026, 1:07 AM ET

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SNL' spoofs Trump and Mamdani bromance, skewers Natalie Harp

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 29

Left 21%

Center 76%

Right 3%

Sources: 29

Saturday Night Live opened its 52nd season with a cold open sketch focusing on a satirical relationship between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Cast member James Austin Johnson portrayed President Donald Trump, while actor Ramy Youssef reprised his guest role as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The sketch depicted a surprise visit by Trump to Mamdani in New York City during adverse weather conditions. In the scene, Johnson's Trump stated that he felt an unusual fondness for Mamdani, attributing part of their connection to their shared origins in Queens. When Youssef's Mamdani remarked on the possibility of growing up in one of Trump's residential buildings, Johnson's Trump dismissed the idea based on family background. The sketch also introduced the debut of Saturday Night Live cast member Ashley Padilla as Natalie Harp, the president's executive assistant. Padilla's character appeared drenched from the exterior weather and delivered a cautionary remark to Mamdani concerning the president.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 26 2026 Saturday Night Live prepares its 52nd season premiere episode in New York.
On September 26 2026 James Austin Johnson and Ramy Youssef rehearse the cold open sketch.
On September 26 2026 Ashley Padilla makes her cast debut portraying executive assistant Natalie Harp.
On September 26 2026 Saturday Night Live broadcasts the cold open featuring Trump and Mamdani.
On September 27 2026 Media outlets publish reviews and coverage of the season premiere sketch.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Viewers across the United States engaged with political satire commentary following the season premiere broadcast.
Possible long-term US impact: Set comedic tones for ongoing political discourse and media coverage throughout the television season.
Most affected groups: Television audiences, political satire fans, and pop culture observers.
Reader priority: High interest in late-night comedy sketches and political parodies.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 29
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 6
Neutral:: 22
Distribution:: Left 21%, Center 76%, Right 3%

Explain Framing

Left: leaning media outlets frame the sketch as sharp, culturally relevant social commentary that effectively highlights political dynamics and absurdities in contemporary public figures. Center: Mainstream and wire reporting focus objectively on broadcast details, casting updates, viewer reception, and the historical role of late-night political satire without partisan slant. Right: leaning and conservative commentary frames the program's political sketches as partisan entertainment exhibiting predictable biases and caricatures of conservative figures.