Pete Hegseth Warns Iran Over Protester Deaths in SNL Cold Open
## Saturday Night Live Cold Open Depicts Pete Hegseth as Donald Trump
The January 18, 2026, *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) cold open featured Pete hegseth portraying Donald Trump during a mock cabinet meeting, focusing on foreign policy issues related to Venezuela and Iran. The skit satirized Trump’s past statements and actions.
### Donald Trump’s foreign Policy Rhetoric in the SNL Skit
The skit centered around Hegseth, as Trump, enthusiastically taking credit for the attempted arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and issuing a warning to Iran regarding its handling of protests.He reportedly stated, “that’s our thing!” when referencing the alleged intervention in Venezuela, implying a unique American role in regime change. TheWrap reports this was a key line in the performance.
### Background on US Involvement in Venezuela
The United States, under the Trump management, actively sought to remove Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, recognizing Juan Guaidó as the interim president in January 2019. The U.S. Department of State details this policy, which involved sanctions and diplomatic pressure. While the Trump administration supported attempts to overthrow Maduro, including a failed military uprising in April 2019, a direct “arrest” of Maduro by the US government did not occur. The Council on Foreign relations provides a timeline of events and details the complexities of the situation. As of January 18, 2026, Maduro remains in power.
### US-Iran Relations and Protests
the skit also referenced protests in Iran and a warning against the Iranian regime suppressing them.The united States has consistently expressed concern over human rights abuses in Iran, particularly the suppression of protests. The U.S. Department of state’s Iran page outlines the US government’s position on human rights and political freedoms in iran.Significant protests occurred in Iran in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini,and the US government condemned the violent crackdown by Iranian authorities.A White House statement from September 26, 2022, details the US response to the protests and the government’s condemnation of the violence. As of January 18, 2026, protests continue to occur in Iran, and the situation remains volatile.### SNL and Political Satire
*Saturday Night Live* has a long history of political satire, frequently parodying current events and political figures. The official SNL website showcases the show’s history and archive of sketches. The show’s cold opens ofen address timely political issues,aiming to provide commentary through humor.