'SNL' cast members make a direct appeal to President-elect Donald Trump during the cold opening of the post-election episode

CNN
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Several “Saturday Night Live” cast members took the stage at Studio 8H in New York on Saturday in the first episode since the presidential election, where they jokingly appealed directly to President-elect Donald Trump that they should not be among his “political enemies.” .

In what began as a sober skit, the cast admitted that the election results were “shocking and even frightening” to “many people watching this show right now,” as cast member Ego Nwodim put it.

Kenan Thompson went on to describe Trump as someone who was “calling for revenge against his political enemies,” and Nwodim said he believed that Now there is “nothing left to protect the people who are brave enough to speak out against him.”

Then the tone changed as Thompson humorously added, “And that's why we at 'SNL' want to say to Donald Trump: We…were with you the whole time!”

The cast then explained that they had actually supported Trump in the run-up to the election, with Bowen Yang remarking, “We have never wavered in our support for you!” and Heidi Gardner later joking that she was “fifty.” “Time” voted for him.

“So if you keep some sort of list of your enemies, then…” Thompson said, and Marcello Hernandez finished his sentence by saying, “That’s what we should do.” not be on this list.”

The cast also introduced a new version of James Austin Johnson's Trump, known for his political impersonations, in the series.

Johnson then appeared on stage as a redesigned “Hot Jacked Trump,” sporting a red headband and incredibly muscular arms.

“They finally got the body right,” Johnson said while impersonating Trump and flexing. “From now on, we’re going to do a very flattering portrayal of Trump because, frankly, he’s my hero.”

“SNL” alum Dana Carvey also made a cameo in the cold open — although not as President Joe Biden, whom he has portrayed since the beginning of season 50. This time Carvey appeared as Elon Musk.

Bill Burr served as host this week and Mk.gee was the musical guest.

“Saturday Night Live” airs at 11:30 p.m. EDT/8:30 p.m. PDT on NBC.