SNL Cold Open Sparks Reactions from Pam Bondi and DHS Officials
URGENT UPDATE: The latest episode of Saturday Night Live, aired on October 11, 2025, featured a highly anticipated cold open that has sparked immediate reactions from key political figures, including Pam Bondi and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In a special appearance celebrating SNL’s 50th anniversary, Amy Poehler returned to host after 15 years, delivering a sharp satire that drew attention to current political tensions.
Poehler, portraying Pam Bondi, humorously addressed the heated moments from a recent Senate hearing on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and controversial topics including the Epstein files. The sketch featured Poehler stating, “I don’t know; you’ll have to ask Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem,” prompting the entrance of Tina Fey as Noem. This comedic exchange is already generating buzz online.
Following the sketch, Bondi took to X (formerly Twitter), sharing a still from the scene and playfully asking Noem, “@Sec_Noem, should we recreate this picture in Chicago? Loving Amy Poehler!” The tweet underscores the blending of humor and political commentary, although Noem has yet to respond publicly.
“SNL is absolutely right — the Democrats’ shutdown does need to end!”
This statement came from DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who emphasized the urgency of political resolution in her comments to Entertainment Weekly.
Poehler’s portrayal opened with a bold introduction: “What’s up nerds? My name is Pam Bondi. I spell it with an ‘I’ ’cause ‘I ain’t gonna answer any of your questions.’ My time is valuable.” The sketch quickly escalated as she refused to answer questions from senators played by cast members, showcasing a comedic yet pointed critique of political evasiveness.
Fey, as Noem, added to the satire by tossing an assault rifle and declaring, “That’s right, it’s me Kristi Noem. I spell my name with an ‘I’ because that’s how I thought it was spelled. And I’m the rarest type of person in Washington, D.C. — a brunette that Donald Trump listens to. I’m here to tell you that this Democrat government shutdown needs to end now.”
The cold open has not only entertained audiences but also ignited discussions on social media, highlighting the intersection of entertainment and current affairs. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the reactions from Bondi and DHS officials reflect a broader narrative of urgency surrounding governmental operations and public sentiment.
For those eager to catch the entire cold open, it is now available on the official SNL channel. Stay tuned for further developments as the political implications of this sketch unfold and garner reactions from viewers and officials alike.
