Mayor Zohran Mamdani became the target of “Saturday Night Live” comedy during the season 52 premiere, hosted by Knicks MVP Jalen Brunson.
The show’s cold open, set at the Upper East Side’s Grace Mansion, featured comedian Ramy Youssef playing Hizzoner as he recorded an “urgent message” for New Yorkers preparing for a powerful nor’easter.
In the sketch, Mamdani films a TikTok-style video urging Gotham residents to “shelter in place, y’all” while dancing to upbeat club music—a deliberately lighthearted response to the threatening storm.
President Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, then arrives at Mamdani’s home and notes that the two politicians share roots in Queens.
Trump’s controversial political aide, Natalie Harp, also interrupts the scene. She appears drenched from the storm, with mascara streaming down her face.
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Ashley Padilla, playing Harp, says she “ran here from DC weapon style,” joking that President Trump might have required her assistance.
As the cold open winds down, Mamdani tells Trump that he needs to “get back to work.” Trump, however, insists on remaining with the left-leaning mayor.
“Only if you give us $21 billion for a housing project in Queens,” Hizzoner replies.
“Are you out of your mind?” Trump responds.
Mamdani then offers, “What if I follow you back on Instagram?” Trump agrees, replying, “It’s a done deal.”
