Mon Jan 27 07:30:00 UTC 2025: ## “SNL” Slams Trump in Cold Open, Featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda Shut Down by James Austin Johnson
**New York, NY** – “Saturday Night Live” returned with a biting satire of former President Donald Trump, featuring a cold open that pitted Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda against James Austin Johnson’s impersonation of the former president. The sketch saw Miranda, reprising his role as Alexander Hamilton, delivering a patriotic speech on the founding principles of America, only to be repeatedly interrupted and ultimately silenced by Johnson’s Trump.
Trump’s portrayal focused on his perceived dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (“DEI is over. It’s dead”), his boastful recounting of his inauguration (“a tremendous success,” despite being indoors due to “cold and fear”), and name-dropping of various billionaires. He notably mocked Miranda’s presence, preventing the actor from performing a rap and repeatedly referencing his near-EGOT status.
The sketch culminated in Trump’s successful goading of Miranda, breaking the actor’s stoic composure. Host Timothée Chalamet, who also served as the musical guest performing Bob Dylan songs, further contributed to the show’s politically charged night. The episode aired on NBC.
First Piper 