Nikki Haley’s Hilarious SNL Appearance Takes Aim at Trump in Cold Open
Nikki Haley, the former U.N. Ambassador and Republican presidential candidate, surprised viewers with her recent appearance on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). In the show’s cold open, Haley engaged in a series of witty exchanges with a cast member portraying her primary opponent, Donald Trump. The skit took place at a mock CNN town hall, where Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, faced questions from the audience.
Haley’s entrance into the skit was met with excitement from the live audience. She asked Trump why he wouldn’t debate her, to which he humorously mistook her for Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House. Haley responded by questioning Trump’s mental competency, referencing his claim of acing a mental competency test. Trump, in his typical fashion, made controversial remarks about women’s ability to handle finances and even joked about a woman asking him for $83 million in reference to a recent defamation case. Haley cleverly retorted by suggesting he borrow money from her since he had spent $50 million on legal fees.
The banter continued as Trump attempted to come up with nicknames for Haley, settling on “Nikki Haley Joel Osman,” a mashup of her name with the star of “The Sixth Sense.” Haley fired back by predicting voters would say “I see dead people” if they saw Trump and Joe Biden on the ballot, alluding to their age. The skit also touched on Trump’s failure to win his home state of New York in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
However, the highlight of the skit was when actor Ayo Edeberi, guest host for the night and star of “The Bear,” stood up and questioned Haley about the main cause of the Civil War. Edeberi humorously hinted that it began with an “s” and ended with “lavery.” This was a nod to Haley’s previous flub when she failed to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War during a New Hampshire town hall in December. Haley admitted her mistake, acknowledging that she should have mentioned slavery from the start.
Haley’s appearance on SNL was met with positive feedback, as she took the opportunity to showcase her sense of humor and quick wit. After the skit, she expressed her enjoyment on Twitter, stating, “Had a blast tonight on SNL. Know it was past Donald’s bedtime so looking forward to the stream of unhinged tweets in the a.m.”
This SNL appearance serves as a reminder that politicians can find common ground through humor, even amidst heated campaigns. Nikki Haley’s ability to engage in lighthearted banter while addressing serious issues demonstrates her versatility as a public figure. As the presidential race continues, it will be interesting to see how candidates navigate the political landscape and connect with voters.
In conclusion, Nikki Haley’s surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” brought laughter and wit to the stage. Her exchanges with the Trump impersonator showcased her ability to hold her ground and respond cleverly to his comments. The skit also addressed Haley’s previous misstep regarding the cause of the Civil War, allowing her to make light of the situation while admitting her mistake. This SNL appearance not only entertained viewers but also highlighted Haley’s charisma and ability to connect with a wide audience.
