SNL Ignites Backlash After Cold Open Joke Appears to Call JD Vance “Gay”
Saturday Night Live stirred strong reactions after its January 24, episode opened with a sharp political sketch that many viewers felt crossed a line. The cold open, which aired on NBC, centered on a parody where President Donald Trump hosts his own awards show modeled after the Oscars. The role of Trump was once again played by James Austin Johnson.
In the sketch, the fake awards ceremony was used as a joke about ego and distraction. Trump was shown handing out trophies tied only to himself and his inner circle. Early on, Johnson’s Trump explained the reason for the event, saying, After what all my little freaks and psychos in ICE have been doing, I need more distractions. He then praised the setting by adding, Look, everything’s gold and shiny!
One of the first fake prizes went to an image of Trump receiving a FIFA Peace Prize. The moment was framed as a self-made honor, mocked as another fake award that he made FIFA invent to give to himself. During his acceptance speech, the character thanked only himself and delivered a dark joke. 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. He ended by saying, I promise you, I’m just getting started.
The moment that caused the most backlash involved a brief exchange with a JD Vance character. Vance joked about his beard and mentioned the idea of being a future president. Trump replied by asking about Vance’s wife and then bluntly said, I’m insinuating you’re gay. That line quickly spread online and became the main focus of the reaction to 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 awards theme continued with jokes aimed at other political figures. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was given a “best kiss” award for flattering Trump. Actor Mike Myers also appeared as Elon Musk to accept a lifetime comedy award. In character, he said, I’m so emotionless to be here, and if anyone knows humor, it’s me.
The sketch ended with a spoof of the Oscars’ in memoriam segment. Instead of honoring people, it listed things the Trump administration had “destroyed,” including NATO, DEI, checks and balances, and civil rights. The cold open also included quick jokes about Trump claiming plans to take Greenland and even the animated world of Zootopia.
The episode was hosted by Teyana Taylor and marked the show’s second new episode of 2026. This season of SNL has often opened with Trump-focused sketches tied to the week’s political news. NBC confirmed that the show will return with a new episode on January 31, with Alexander Skarsgård hosting and Cardi B as the musical guest.
In my view, this cold open shows how aggressive SNL’s political humor has become. Some people see it as fearless satire, while others feel jokes like this miss the mark and distract from the point. What did you think about the JD Vance moment and the overall sketch? Share your thoughts in the comments.
