‘SNL’ Sparks Firestorm After Cold Open Appears to Label JD Vance as “Gay”
Saturday Night Live opened its January 24, 2026 episode with a political sketch that quickly set social media buzzing.
The cold open imagined President Donald Trump hosting his own version of the Oscars, turning the famous awards show into a flashy ceremony built entirely around himself. The sketch aired on NBC and featured James Austin Johnson once again playing Trump.
In the opening moments, Johnson’s Trump explained why the awards were happening at all. After what all my little freaks and psychos in ICE have been doing, I need more distractions, he said, while admiring the gold-heavy room. Look, everything’s gold and shiny! The joke framed the night as a vanity project meant to pull attention away from real-world problems.
The first award of the night was for “best picture of me,” which went to a photo of Trump receiving the FIFA Peace Prize. The sketch mocked the honor as another fake award that he made FIFA invent to give to himself. Accepting the prize, Johnson’s Trump launched into a rambling speech. I have so few people to thank. Myself, and, of course, the big man upstairs, which is what I call my brain tumor, he said, before adding, I promise you, I’m just getting started.
One of the most talked-about moments came during a short exchange with a JD Vance character. Vance proudly mentioned his beard and joked about being the first bearded president in a century. Trump responded by asking about Vance’s wife, then followed up with a blunt line that landed as the punchline. I’m insinuating you’re gay. The moment drew loud reaction online and became one of the most shared clips from the sketch.
SNL just called JD Vance "gay" in their cold open
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) January 25, 2026
Vance: Did you know that if I win in 2028, I'll be the first president in 100 years to have a beard?
Trump: Wow! And speaking of your beard, how's your wife Usha?
Vance: Very good, sir.
Trump: I'm insinuating you're gay. pic.twitter.com/AciGx4JFcr
The fake awards continued with the “best kiss” trophy going to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for praising Trump. Mike Myers also made a surprise appearance, returning as Elon Musk to accept a lifetime achievement award for comedy. I’m so emotionless to be here, and if anyone knows humor, it’s me, Myers said in character.
The sketch closed with a parody of the Oscars’ in memoriam segment. This time, it honored things the Trump administration had supposedly “destroyed,” including NATO, DEI, checks and balances, civil rights, and even Marjorie Taylor Greene. Other jokes included Trump claiming he planned to take Greenland and Zootopia, saying he recognized the animated animals from his cognitive exam.
The episode marked the second new show of 2026 and the 11th episode of Season 51. According to the show’s recent pattern, many cold opens this season have focused on Trump, usually showing him reacting to the news in speeches or public events.
Teyana Taylor hosted the episode, fresh off awards buzz for her role in One Battle After Another. The show will return with a new episode on January 31, with Alexander Skarsgård set to host for the first time and Cardi B as the musical guest.
This cold open shows how far SNL is willing to push its political humor, especially when it comes to blunt and uncomfortable jokes. Some viewers see that as sharp satire, while others see it as crossing a line. What did you think of the JD Vance joke and the fake Oscars idea? Share your thoughts in the comments.