SNL Cold Open Mocks Hegseth, RFK Jr. on USS Lincoln

Saturday Night Live's latest cold open, aired on October 10, took place aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The sketch spoofed the ship's return to San Diego after a more than 10-month deployment.

Colin Jost reprised his role as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who told sailors, 'You're back home safe in sunny San Diego, which the president just asked Iran to blow up.'

Hegseth then informed the crew about plans to live stream the execution of former Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan in December. Jost added, 'In December, as we get into the Christmas spirit, we're going to execute a guy in a wheelchair on live TV.'

The cold open also featured a new logo for the Department of War, which Jost admitted had a 'Nazi vibe.' Meanwhile, James Austin Johnson portrayed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., promoting alternative proteins like catfish, pony, and cricket.

Johnson's Kennedy announced that 200,000 pounds of meat had been recalled but emphasized that 'catfish, pony and cricket are viable proteins for any American family.' He claimed the recalls were spotted early by testing meats on the ship.

Shane Gillis hosted the show with musical guest Rosalía, marking his third hosting stint. Gillis faced online backlash for controversial jokes, including a remark about women dressing like 'whores' at the gym, and accidentally dropped an uncensored f-bomb during a sketch.