SNL Torches Kristi Noem’s Firing With Savage Cold Open!

Saturday Night Live opened its March 7 episode with a sharp political sketch, lampooning President Donald Trump’s decision to fire Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.

Padilla as Noem

Ashley Padilla stepped into the role of Noem, delivering exaggerated farewell remarks at a mock press briefing. “I didn’t get fired, I self-deported,” she quipped, before joking that her mission was never-ending — much like her plastic surgery. She added, “You miss 100% of the dogs you don’t shoot,” a line that drew big laughs from the audience. Padilla’s Noem also humorously listed the items she had to turn in: “badge, gun, lips, lashes, teeth and forehead.” She concluded by saying her new office would be in a WeWork space outside Denver.

Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth

Colin Jost portrayed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, announcing that Noem had been “reassigned under the bus.” He fielded questions about U.S. military operations in Iran, joking, “We’re treating Iran like the breathalyzer in my car and blowing it the hell up.”

The sketch poked fun at the administration’s handling of foreign policy while satirizing Noem’s controversial tenure.

Trump’s Announcement

On March 5, Trump confirmed via Truth Social that Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma will succeed Noem as Homeland Security secretary, effective March 31. The decision followed scrutiny over Noem’s $220 million ad campaign, which she claimed had Trump’s approval. Trump later told Reuters he “never knew anything about it.”

Gosling Hosts, Styles Surprises

The episode was hosted by Ryan Gosling, marking his fourth time leading the show. Gosling, star of Project Hail Mary, was joined by musical guest Gorillaz. Harry Styles also made a surprise appearance during Gosling’s monologue, teasing his upcoming hosting gig next week.

Why It Resonated

SNL’s cold opens often serve as cultural commentary, and this sketch blended political satire with absurd humor. Padilla’s performance as Noem stood out, combining biting jokes with exaggerated delivery that captured the audience’s attention.