
SNL Satirizes Hegseth's Return of USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Amid Iran War Controversies
Colin Jost portrayed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a Saturday Night Live cold open mocking the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln crew after a 322-day deployment supporting the U.S. war with Iran. The sketch, which aired on October 10, 2026, satirized reported crew hardships, including eight suicide attempts and broken plumbing, alongside broader criticisms of the Trump administration's policies. James Austin Johnson appeared as RFK Jr. to mock health updates and meat recalls, while the segment referenced a controversial new Department of War logo. The real USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego two days prior, having spent over 260 days at sea without a port call.













