‘SNL’ Cast Praises Trump in Sarcastic Cold Open as Dana Carvey Debuts Elon Musk Impression: ‘I Run the Country Now!’

The cast of “Saturday Night Live” faked audiences out by praising Donald Trump in the series’ first episode after his election.

In the cold open, cast members somberly discussed Trump’s victory and warned that “now, thanks to the Supreme Court, there are no guardrails.”

More from Variety

• In 'SNL' Promo, Host Bill Burr Reveals 'Who Actually Killed Epstein' and Jokes He 'Voted for Everybody' in the Election

• Conan O'Brien Regrets 'Being So Intense' at 'SNL' and Burning Out in Three Years: 'I Robbed Myself of Fun' and 'Could've Written There Longer'

• Chappell Roan 'Gets the Job Done,' Debuting New Lesbian Country Song 'The Giver' on 'Saturday Night Live'

“And that is why, we at ‘SNL’ would like to say to Donald Trump: We have been with you all along,” Kenan Thompson added.

“We have never wavered in our support of you, even when others doubted you!” Bowen Yang added sarcastically, before Sarah Sherman said, “Every single person on this stage believed in you.”

“Every single person on this stage voted for you!” added Marcello Hernandez.

Then Dana Carvey, who was previously playing Joe Biden, entered the frame with the new impression: Elon Musk. Cloaked in the X owner’s signature black on black, Carvey jumped up and down and performed some dorky dance moves before saying in an exaggerated South African accent, “Check it out: dark MAGA. Yeah! But seriously, I run the country now. America’s going to be like one of my rockets. They’re super cool and super fun, but there’s a slight chance it could blow up and everybody dies. Haha!”

Notably missing from the cold open was Maya Rudolph, who has appeared in every cold open of Season 50 as Kamala Harris. “Saturday Night Live” debuted its ensemble of guest stars for the 2024 election in the cold open of the Season 50 premiere episode, on Sept. 28. Andy Samberg was revealed as Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff, Jim Gaffigan played her running mate Tim Walz and Dana Carvey claimed Joe Biden. Cast members James Austin Johnson and Bowen Yang have been playing Donald Trump and JD Vance this season.

Best of Variety

• New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 

• What's Coming to Netflix in November 2024

• The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Al Pacino to Lisa Marie Presley

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.