Cecily Strong Returns to SNL as Jeanine Pirro in Mother's Day Cold Open

Cecily Strong made a surprise return to Saturday Night Live (SNL) to reprise her role as Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, following the comedic announcement of Pirro's appointment as interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. by James Austin Johnson's Donald Trump. The cold open, which interrupted a Mother’s Day segment, showcased Strong’s Pirro as a wine-loving, outspoken addition to Trump’s administration, humorously referencing 'Russian assets, booze hounds, and people famous for the little baby animals they’ve killed.' The sketch also featured Colin Jost as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with several comedic moments involving Strong's Pirro spitting wine. The segment satirized Trump’s penchant for appointing Fox News personalities to government roles and played on Pirro’s TV persona. The episode continued SNL’s tradition of lampooning political news while celebrating its 50th season with notable hosts and musical guests.