Mamdani and Trump Hang Out, Natalie Harp Goes 'Obsession'
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Season 52 of "Saturday Night Live" opened with a cold open featuring Ramy Youssef as NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump, portraying an unlikely friendship between the two characters.
- The sketch included humorous references to current events such as the East Coast storm, the Knicks’ championship, the U.N. meeting in NYC, and Trump’s recent interactions with global figures like Xi Jinping, Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg.
- Natalie Harp, Trump’s executive assistant played by Ashley Padilla, made a notable appearance, evoking the "Obsession" character Nikki and threatening Mamdani to protect Trump.
- The season premiere is hosted by Jalen Brunson with musical guest Katseye, and it marks the debut of new cast members Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter.
