SNL Cold Open Mocks Hegseth’s Live Execution Plan and RFK Jr.’s Health Crisis

Key points

• Colin Jost portrayed Pete Hegseth welcoming USS Abraham Lincoln sailors after a 322-day deployment, noting eight suicide attempts and broken plumbing.
• Jost’s character announced plans to livestream the December execution of Nidal Hasan, comparing it to the TV show Scrubs.
• James Austin Johnson played RFK Jr., who renamed cold and flu season to include listeria, measles, and trench brain.
• The sketch mocked the Department of War’s new eagle logo for its resemblance to Nazi imagery.
• Shane Gillis hosted the episode, marking his third hosting stint, with Rosalía as the musical guest.

Background

The USS Abraham Lincoln recently returned to San Diego after a 322-day deployment supporting the U.S. war with Iran, with reports of supply shortages and mental health struggles among the crew. The Department of War’s new logo has drawn comparisons to Nazi imagery, and the Pentagon confirmed plans to livestream the December execution of Nidal Hasan, who was sentenced to death for a 2009 Fort Hood rampage. RFK Jr. has faced criticism for vaccine skepticism and health policy decisions, including meat recalls and measles outbreaks.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone emphasized RFK Jr.’s absurd renaming of flu season and the meat recalls tested on sailors. Variety focused on Hegseth’s mocking of the ship’s conditions and the live execution plan, noting the Department of War’s logo. Deadline highlighted the backlash to the livestream execution and the Department of War’s logo. USA Today covered the overall sketch, including Hegseth’s jokes about Iran and the live execution, and Gillis’s hosting stint.

Why it matters

The sketch reflects real-world controversies surrounding the USS Abraham Lincoln’s deployment, the Department of War’s logo, and the planned livestream execution. It also highlights public criticism of RFK Jr.’s health policies and vaccine skepticism, which have been subjects of political debate and public concern.

What to watch

SNL will take a brief hiatus, with no new episodes on October 17 or 24. The show will return on October 31 for a Halloween episode hosted by Inde Navarrette, with Gracie Abrams as the musical guest. The real-world execution of Nidal Hasan is scheduled for December, and the Department of War’s logo remains a point of public debate.