The Weekend Update desk at “Saturday Night Live” took aim at Donald Trump’s picks for his presidential administration during its opening segment. One of the targets was billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, who has been chosen by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency taskforce. This taskforce’s goal is to streamline government operations by cutting regulations, reducing wasteful spending, and restructuring federal agencies.
During the segment, Weekend Update anchor Michael Che pointed out that Musk had posted job listings for the taskforce, which indicated that employees would be expected to work over 80 hours per week without compensation. Che humorously remarked, “You can’t be surprised that the white African guy’s first idea is slavery.”
Co-anchor Colin Jost also joined in on the mockery, taking shots at attorney general pick Matt Gaetz. Gaetz, who previously faced a sex trafficking investigation that did not result in charges, is now facing allegations of inappropriate relations with a minor. Jost quipped, “Trump nominated Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Gaetz said the same thing he says when he sees a teenage girl: I’ll do it.”
Jost continued to poke fun at Trump’s cabinet picks, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Jost joked, “Congratulations to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who became the first brain worm survivor nominated to a cabinet level position.” He also teased Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccinations.
In addition to the political humor, Charli XCX served as both host and musical guest for the episode.
The Weekend Update segment provided a satirical take on Trump’s administration picks, with the cast delivering sharp and witty commentary on the controversial selections. The skit was a mix of political satire and comedic jabs, keeping in line with the show’s tradition of blending current events with humor.