Hanks Revives 'SNL' Pumpkins Character to Mock Trump’s Midterm Panic

Key points

• Tom Hanks reprised the role of David S. Pumpkins, a character he first introduced in 2016, in a Halloween-themed cold open.
• James Austin Johnson portrayed President Trump, who interrupted the skit to complain about Republican losses in the upcoming November 3 midterms.
• The sketch mocked Trump’s recent comments regarding the physiques of male political candidates, specifically referencing Senator Jon Husted and Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
• Saidah Belo-Osagie appeared as Nicki Minaj, satirizing her vocal support for Trump and rumors of her potential appointment as press secretary.
• Veronika Slowikowska played Katie Zacharia, referencing her brief tenure as press secretary and her failed attempt to deliver the show's opening line.

Background

This episode follows a series of recent 'SNL' cold opens that have targeted the administration, including a previous sketch mocking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health Secretary RFK Jr. The current segment builds on real-world events from late October, where Trump praised Nicki Minaj’s physique at a Michigan rally, sparking political debate and late-night mockery. The timing also coincides with the recent departure of press secretary Katie Zacharia, whose tenure lasted less than a week, adding urgency to the satire regarding the White House communications team.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Deadline both confirm the core narrative of Hanks’ return and the Trump impersonation but differ in their emphasis on the political subtext. Variety highlights the 'risqué' nature of the jokes and the specific dynamic between the characters, noting the 'freeze mode' used to isolate Trump’s monologue. Deadline places greater weight on the real-world political context, explicitly linking the sketch’s jokes about 'gay dementia' and male asses to Trump’s actual comments about Senator Jon Husted. While Variety focuses on the performance and casting, including the cameo by Bobby Moynihan, Deadline emphasizes the political stakes, such as the Texas Senate race and the 'flame-out' of press secretary Katie Zacharia. Both outlets agree that the sketch was a direct response to Trump’s bizarre stump speeches and the administration's recent personnel changes.

Why it matters

The sketch underscores the growing tension between the Trump administration and late-night comedy, particularly as the midterms approach. By reviving a character from 2016, 'SNL' draws a parallel between the current political climate and the era of Trump’s first election, suggesting a continuity in his erratic behavior. The focus on physical appearance and the chaotic state of the press office highlights the administration’s struggle with public perception and internal stability, making the satire relevant to voters concerned about the upcoming elections.

What to watch

The segment sets the stage for further scrutiny of the White House press office as the administration seeks a new press secretary. The midterm elections on November 3 will likely be a focal point for late-night shows, with continued attention on Trump’s campaign rallies and his interactions with figures like Nicki Minaj. The performance of the Texas Senate race, specifically the Paxton versus Talarico matchup, will also be a key metric for evaluating the accuracy of the sketch’s predictions.