Saturday Night Live Takes a Candid Look at Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s Responses to Rising Gas Prices and Iran War Aftermath

The ongoing tensions surrounding the Iran war have prompted strong reactions from various figures, including FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who has issued warnings to broadcast networks regarding their coverage. Meanwhile, Saturday Night Live delivered a cold open that humorously criticized former President Donald Trump and Fox News host Pete Hegseth for their apparent lack of foresight regarding the conflict’s consequences.

In recent days, soaring gas prices have prompted the Biden administration to respond publicly. Amid this, Hegseth has accused the media of misrepresenting the war’s impact. Gas prices surged to $3.60 per gallon on Friday, a noticeable increase from $3.25 a week prior and $2.94 a month ago, according to AAA.

During the skit, Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, makes a comical appearance at a gas station, lamenting, “You might remember me from such campaign promises as lower gas prices and no more wars. We love to make promises because a promise is just a lie that hasn’t happened yet.”

Johnson’s Trump continued with humor that targeted the origin of the prices: “Oh yes, gas prices, which are very high because of war with Iran, which is where they make gas. I wish someone would have told me that.” He humorously claimed victory in the war by comparing Iran to “ballet and opera,” declaring, “And we’re Timmy Chalamet,” to laughter from the audience.

Hegseth made a surprise appearance from the backseat of a family car, accompanied by scattered beer cans. In a satirical tone, he defended the administration’s efforts amid negative coverage: “The president called me here today to give you news on the way. Okay, so listen up. The news is we won. Hashtag winning. So stop asking me all about it!”

Echoing his frustrations, Hegseth boldly stated that “all you gaybies in the media are completely unpatriotic,” asserting, “They’re using what I do and say to make me look like a fool.”

Trump interjected, “Been there. I’ve been there before,” as Hegseth continued to push back against the media narrative, joking, “The press says we bombed a school. I just blame it on the Ah-a-ah-ah-ayatollah. And also on the alcohol.”

Further satirizing the media’s portrayal of geopolitical issues, the Hegseth character remarked, “Oh, you dweebs, stop saying the Strait of Hormuz is closed. It’s wide open. Sure, there are a bunch of landmines floating in the water. But if you’re an oil tanker and you see one of the mines, just do what I used to do at every DUI checkpoint. Close your eyes and gun it!”

In reality, Hegseth’s frustration had already surfaced in a Friday briefing, as he criticized the media’s portrayal of the war, singling out cable news networks like CNN. “The sooner that David Ellison takes over the network, the better,” he remarked.

Earlier on Saturday, following Trump’s complaints about media coverage, Chairman Carr reiterated his threats to broadcasters, cautioning them to “course correct” their coverage of the conflict before their licenses come up for renewal. He has previously criticized late-night comedians, including SNL, for their portrayals.

The sketch aired against a backdrop of escalating tensions and rising energy prices, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of the media in covering such significant events.