SNL Parodies Nicki Minaj after Trump rally
The Halloween season on Saturday night was served with a sharp dose of political satire, as Saturday Night Live delivered a cold open that turned toward the superstar Nicki Minaj and her relationship with President Donald Trump.
The sketch featured a parody where cast member Saidah Belo-Osagie portrayed Minaj, bursting into the scene to declare Trump’s success, proclaiming, “Trump’s out here killing it, and by it, I mean my career.” The joke extended to Minaj being crowned Trump’s ideal choice for White House press secretary, a spin that drew directly from recent political events.
This comedic moment paid homage to Minaj’s recent appearance at a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, where she traveled alongside Trump. The sketch referenced the moment Trump invited her to the front and commented on her presence, setting up a humorous commentary on the dynamics of celebrity and political visibility.
The real-world basis for the impersonation was rooted in a behind-the-scenes story. A Trump staffer had reportedly floated Minaj for the press secretary role during the Air Force One trip, a fact Trump later acknowledged, suggesting it was “a good idea.” Minaj herself has maintained a casual stance on the attention, stating she is “not going anywhere” after being called a favorite by Trump.
Beyond the political satire, the segment blended sharply with other elements of the show. The sketch itself featured a ride through a budget Halloween haunted attraction, complete with Tom Hanks playing David S. Pumpkins and his dancing skeleton sidekicks, adding another layer of absurdity to the evening.
While the political humor took center stage, the episode also featured other stellar talent. Inde Navarrette, a star from Obsession, hosted the broadcast, and musical guest Gracie Abrams brought her latest single, “Here You Come, There You Go,” to the stage. The episode aired live on Saturday night, making it part of the nightly cultural pulse.