SNL Cold Open Mocks Kristi Noem and Pete Hegseth

After a controversy-filled year that ended with her removal from the Department of Homeland Security last Thursday, Kristi Noem was the target of Saturday Night Live’s March 7 cold open. Colin Jost opened as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, doing a keg stand before a press conference and playing a loudly antagonistic dimbulb who promised to explain the situation "in terms I understand." He also pointed out that only Congress can declare war, asking, "Who ever called this a war?" and adding, "Except maybe the president a couple of times accidentally?" SNL’s sketch turned its sharpest barbs on Noem, played by Ashley Padilla.

The character insisted, "I just want to make it clear that I didn’t get fired.

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snl, cold open, kristi noem, pete hegseth, colin jost, ashley padilla, defense secretary, homeland security, keg stand, press conference