Former Saturday Night Live cast member Cecily Strong made a triumphant return to the stage, reviving her beloved portrayal of Jeanine Pirro. This memorable reunion featured Colin Jost stepping into the shoes of Pete Hegseth, creating a comedic dynamic that resonated with fans of the show. The duo, humorously dubbed the “AA team” by former President Donald Trump, celebrated their time together following their respective stints at Fox News.
During the sketch, Pirro expressed her pride in being part of a group characterized by “Russian assets, booze hounds, and people famous for the little baby animals they’ve killed.” This line cleverly highlights the absurdity of political affiliations, especially in the context of Trump’s administration, where Pirro had been named the interim attorney for the District of Columbia. Trump humorously remarked on Pirro’s television presence, emphasizing her appeal with the phrase: “she’s on TV!”
“I love hiring people from Fox News. They all do an incredible job. Just look at Pete Hegseth— not one mistake,” Trump stated, to which Pirro enthusiastically agreed, declaring, “He’s my old drinking buddy.” The comedic chemistry between the characters brought laughter as Jost made a surprise entrance, leading to a hilarious moment where Pirro accidentally sprayed wine in his face.
The sketch took a sharp turn when Trump asked Hegseth to provide an update on the military’s F-18 fighter planes. Pirro quipped, “Is it bombing the Houthis?” Hegseth’s response, “Close. It fell off the aircraft carrier into the ocean,” incited another round of laughter, showcasing the clever writing and sharp wit that SNL is known for.
As the humor unfolded, Trump inquired about Hegseth’s pledge of sobriety, which he had promised to uphold if confirmed as Defense Secretary. “I promised I would never have a bottle touch my lips,” Hegseth claimed, yet conveniently found a loophole as he produced a bottle of liquor from his jacket pocket. In a comedic twist, he offered Pirro a swig, further highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
As the sketch progressed, Hegseth, a figure embroiled in controversies regarding the use of unsecured Signal chats for military plans, revealed a humorous mishap, saying, “Anyway, I accidentally added Kim Jong-un to the group chat.” This line served as a punchline, emphasizing the chaotic and often ridiculous nature of political communication.
This segment of SNL not only entertained but also cleverly critiqued the intersections of politics and media, showcasing the unique ability of comedians like Cecily Strong and Colin Jost to reflect on current events through humor.
