Tom Hanks Returns As David S. Pumpkins For ‘Saturday Night Live’ Opener — Interrupted By Donald Trump’s Fear Of A Midterm Ass-Whipping

In the opening act of tonight's "Saturday Night Live," former President Trump made an unexpected appearance, interrupting Tom Hanks' triumphant return as the character David S. Pumpkins. Hanks, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, was met with questions from viewers about the frequency of Pumpkins' scenes, to which Trump sarcastically responded, "'Oh, are you sad you don’t get to see your third David Pumpkins scene?'"

Pumpkins was joined by two skeletons, played by Mikey Day and Bobby Moynihan, creating an eerie atmosphere. However, the scare quickly unraveled as Trump took center stage. The president asked, "Boom! It’s me, Donald Trump, your one true God, pausing an ‘SNL’ skit yet again," and jokingly offered to shorten the skit for viewers. Trump's comments drew parallels between himself and Pumpkins, both having appeared in 2016 and being described as loud and annoying.

Turning his attention to the upcoming midterm elections, Trump cautioned viewers in Texas to vote for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton rather than Democratic competitor James Talarico. Despite suggesting Paxton was less attractive, Trump urged voters to support him, stating, "We can’t let [Texas turn blue]. I will leave it for dead."

Following a brief appearance by Nicki Minaj, also portrayed on the show, Trump reiterated his campaign to vote Republican, though he admitted he wasn't afraid of a blue wave, stating, "Remember to vote Republican, because, if these Democrats win and they get all that power, they will do nothing! Just like the last time."

The cold open concluded with Trump dismissing his former press secretary, Katie Zacharia, stating, "Nope! You whiffed it."