During the season 52 premiere of Saturday Night Live
hosted by Knicks MVP Jalen Brunson on Sept. 26, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani was roasted in a cold open set at Grace Mansion. Comedian Ramy Youssef portrayed Mamdani filming an upbeat TikTok video telling Gothamites to shelter in place amid an incoming nor’easter.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani found himself at the center of the Saturday Night Live
season 52 cold open on Sept. 26, 2026, as the sketch comedy show tackled both a looming nor’easter and recent New York City political headlines.
Grace Mansion Cold Open Parodies Storm Messaging and Political Pairings
In the sketch, Youssef’s Mamdani films an urgent message
for Gothamites, advising residents to shelter in place, y’all
while dancing to upbeat club music despite the severity of the incoming brutal storm. The parody follows Mamdani’s real-life, high-stakes huddle earlier in the week at Gracie Mansion with President Trump, an encounter that followed a streak of friendly meetings between the political odd couple.
James Austin Johnson, portraying President Trump, made an appearance at the fictional Gracie Mansion gathering in the sketch to remind viewers that both politicians hail from Queens. The cold open leaned heavily into their recent meeting, where Trump previously told reporters he hoped Mamdani would prove to be a great mayor.
Political Aides and Housing Demands Close Out the Sketch
The comedy intensified when Trump’s political aide, Natalie Harp—portrayed by Ashley Padilla—crashed the residence. Harp arrived rain-soaked from the nor’easter with mascara running down her face, explaining that she ran here from DC weapon style,
figuring the president might need her assistance.
As the cold open neared its conclusion, Mamdani attempted to redirect Trump back to official matters.
Only if you give us $21 billion for a housing project in Queens.
Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City
Trump quipped back, asking Are you out of your mind?
before Mamdani offered a final political compromise. What if I follow you back on Instagram,
Mamdani suggested, prompting Trump to declare, It’s a done deal.
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