SNL Tackles Trump and Epstein Files with Harry Styles Hosting

Saturday Night Live continued to address the ongoing fallout from the release of Jeffrey Epstein files in its most recent episode, hosted by Harry Styles on November 15, 2025. The show utilized a mix of political satire and celebrity impressions to comment on the situation, alongside Styles’s own comedic contributions.

Epstein Files and Trump Impersonation

The cold open of the November 15th episode mirrored the format of recent White House press briefings, with Ashley Padilla portraying White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Padilla’s Leavitt deflected questions regarding Donald Trump’s name appearing in the newly released emails related to Epstein. According to the skit, Leavitt insisted that the only wrongdoing by President Trump was “loving too much — and possibly too young.”

Later in the sketch, James Austin Johnson took on the role of Donald Trump, claiming he was hiding “almost nothing — just enough to make it extremely suspicious.” Johnson’s Trump also referenced numerous photos of himself with Epstein, dismissing them as evidence of a close relationship. He questioned why he would cover up incriminating files if he had nothing to hide.

Beyond the Headlines: Patriot Games and Holiday Themes

The show also extended its satire to other current events. Johnson, as Trump, announced the creation of “Patriot Games,” a competition for high school athletes, framed as a distraction from the Epstein files. He jokingly compared the event to the “Hunger Games,” acknowledging the dark implications of the comparison.

A December 21, 2025, cold open featured Johnson’s Trump defending the renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the “Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, No Homo.” He also alluded to renaming other national monuments after himself, linking it back to covering up information in the Epstein files.

Harry Styles’s Hosting Debut

Harry Styles, serving as both host and musical guest, participated in several sketches. He played a prosecuting attorney opposite an impersonation of comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, and appeared in sketches parodying a right-wing medical drama and a German cruise line. Styles also showcased his musical talents with two performances.

Weekend Update and Political Commentary

The “Weekend Update” segment featured Jeremy Culhane’s impression of Tucker Carlson, criticizing the nominees for the Oscars for their “liberal politics.” The segment also included a comedic bit with the company’s least and most used emojis, played by Mikey Day and Marcello Hernández.

Saturday Night Live appears to be regaining momentum after a period of less-successful episodes, with Styles’s hosting gig contributing to a well-received show.